Comeback Players to Watch This Spring

A new beginning. That’s what Spring Training is all about for under performing teams. For the fans, it’s a chance to restore pride. For the front office, it’s a chance show that they’re pulling the right strings. But most importantly, for the players, it’s a chance to reinvent themselves. With Spring Training workouts less than two weeks away there are a lot of current Rockies who are trying to prove that they belong on a winning team despite disappointments in the past. Here at Rox Pile we have profiled 5 players who are chasing that all elusive comeback glory in 2016.

1.  Tyler Chatwood – Right-Handed Pitcher

Now almost two full years removed from major league competition, Chatwood needs to return to form if there is to be any hope for the Rockies starting rotation to be competitive this year. In 2013, which was Chatwood’s last full season, he posted a very impressive 3.15 ERA through 20 starts. Then in 2014 it came crashing down when Chatwood underwent Tommy John surgery. Tommy John is commonplace in baseball these days, but surprisingly this was Chatwood’s second time taking his elbow under the knife, the first coming at the age of 16. 

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Chatwood has a lot going for him in 2016. A clean bill of health obviously will go a long way for a rotation that used 12 different starting pitchers last season. Chatwood is also only 26, so he is just now about to hit his prime. Don’t expect Tyler to return to his 2013 numbers right away, but if he can hang around an ERA of four, that means he’s giving his staff quality starts and giving his team a chance to win. If Chatwood does replicate his 2013 season, he would become a big time pitcher in the NL West and may be even considered for comeback player of the year.

2.  Jordan Lyles – Right-Handed Pitcher

Lyles, who was unfairly rushed to the majors by the Astros organization, sustained a toe injury last year that limited him to only 49 innings pitched. Although he logged twice as many starts in 2014, Jordan’s 2014 season was also cut short by a broken bone in his non-pitching hand. Over two total seasons with Rockies, Lyles has amassed a respectable 4.56 ERA despite an inconsistent and injury plagued 2015 campaign that saw him post an ERA above five.

Like Chatwood, there is reason for optimism for Lyles in 2016. Jordan is only 25, but already has 5 major league seasons under his belt and is just now entering his prime. In conjunction, a clean bill of health suggests Jordan will make strides in 2016. Last month the Rockies front office signed Jordan to a one-year, 2.47 million dollar contract; allowing both parties to avoid arbitration. Now that contract issues are out of the way, Lyles can focus on being an impact starter for Colorado’s staff this spring.

4.  Eddie Butler – Right-Handed Pitcher

Up until now, all the players profiled have been set back due to injury. Butler however is just a case of a touted prospect not meeting his high expectations. In 2015, Butler made the starting rotation after winning the job out of Spring Training but wouldn’t end his season in Denver as he was demoted to the minors. Butler posted a very uninspiring 5.90 ERA in 79.1 innings pitched at the big league level. Once considered a top pitching prospect in all of baseball, Butler badly needs to piece together a nice 2016 season, or critics will starting saying bust.

The great news is that Butler is yet another very young guy (he is only 24), so he still has time to right the ship, but if the baseball has taught us anything, it’s that patience is a short-lived luxury. Also, apparently Butler was still working on a few pitches during 2015, and baptism by fire is generally a very bad idea at Coors Field. Let’s hope that Butler can get his pitches down and is lights out this Spring. Because, if he isn’t, I don’t know when he might get back the big leagues. If the downward spiral continues, the Rockies might be forced to experiment and move him to the bull-pen for any real that he can stay put in Denver.

5.  Tyler Matzek – Left-Handed Pitcher

Matzek is one of the most bizarre stories in baseball. Drafted 11th overall in 2009 out of high school, Matzek was headed for the spot light. The guy proceeds to struggle in the minors, not because of his stuff, but because he couldn’t control his stuff. So Tyler then essential takes a year off of baseball, comes back and throws more strikes, albeit not a whole lot more. Over a total of 5 minor league seasons we have a top draft pick with an minor league ERA over 5.

By the time we get 2014, the starting pitching situation in Denver is so bad, that they call up Matzek who is notorious for walks at this point. The dude then proceeds to be lights out. Matzek takes a shutout into the 8th inning in his first big league start (at Coors none-the-less), and then completes a three hit shutout of the Padres a few starts later. Sky’s the limit right? Well here’s the kicker, Matzek suffers from performance anxiety, and his demons got the best of him by the beginning of 2015. Tyler walked an insane 19 batters over a 22 inning stretch, was sent to Triple-A, where he did horribly and then was shipped to low A Boise.

In Boise, Tyler makes one start. He only works 2.1 innings because by that time, he had walked 8 batters. Time for another break from baseball. The great news here is a few things. Firstly, Matzek is only 25. Secondly, performance anxiety isn’t new. Guys like Joey Votto and Zach Grienke (and many more) have suffered from the condition. So we know its fixable and there is time for Matzek yet. The Denver Post wrote a great article about anxiety and Matzek if you want to learn more.

Notice how all of the players profiled have been pitchers? Have you also noticed that the pitchers profiled here are just now about to enter their prime? 2016 is already being written off by most reports. But, if these guys can stay healthy physically and mentally, and put together a solid campaign, we don’t have settle for the cellar in 2016. Success with these guys will foster a lot of excited moving into an already bright future.

Next: Curious which ex-Rockies are getting a second chance?

Non-roster invitees are always an intriguing part of Spring Training. They’re all players who are not on the 40-man roster but are given a chance to earn a spot and stick with that team. See where guys like Eric Young Jr. and Jhoulys Chacin have been invited to join this spring.