Jorge De La Rosa Still “Has to Work Some Things Out”

Battling his way back from a left groin injury that landed him on the 15-day disabled list, Jorge De La Rosa is still seemingly some time away from rejoining the Colorado Rockies rotation.

De La Rosa made his second rehab start for the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes on Saturday night and it quickly turned into a very pitch-heavy night for the veteran southpaw. Colorado’s all-time winningest pitcher threw 92 pitches in 3.2 innings of work for the Isotopes. In all, he gave up five hits and walked three while allowing three runs (two earned) against the Round Rock Express.

In two rehab starts since being sent to Albuquerque on May 9, De La Rosa has posted a 3.52 ERA and thrown a total of 7.2 innings.

Speaking to the media before the Rockies took on the New York Mets at Coors Field on Sunday afternoon, Colorado manager Walt Weiss expressed some concern about De La Rosa’s high number of pitches and the number of walks (six) and hits (eight) he has surrendered in limited work.

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“He has to work some things out,” Weiss said. “He has to get to the point where he can go deeper in the games here to protect the bullpen. He’ll come back into town and we’ll have to have a sit-down to see where he’s at.”

When De La Rosa was placed on the 15-day DL on April 27, the left-hander was struggling mightily with his control and ability to fool hitters. Through five starts, De La Rosa has a 1-3 record and 10.18 ERA and has given up 30 hits in 20.1 innings of work. He has also given up seven home runs, including three in his last outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

With Jon Gray and Eddie Butler solidifying Colorado’s rotation, Weiss is showing no interest in rushing De La Rosa back to Denver. The 35-year-old has thrown four innings or less in three of his five starts this season, quickly putting a burden on Colorado’s bullpen.

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It’s a disappointing start to a season where Jorge De La Rosa was expected to be a key part of the rotation and seemed to be primed for a solid campaign. Now, however, whether it’s mechanics, health, or a mental adjustment, it could be some time before he takes the mound again at Coors Field.