Colorado Rockies News: Bergman Returns, Chatwood Heads to DL

After Sunday’s start in Philadelphia, there were a lot of questions floating around about the health of Tyler Chatwood. The answers about the Colorado Rockies starter were answered on Tuesday afternoon.

Chatwood was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a mid-back strain prior to Tuesday’s game against the Washington Nationals. To take his spot on the active roster, the Rockies recalled right-handed pitcher Christian Bergman from Triple-A Albuquerque.

The 26-year-old Chatwood is 10-8 with a 3.75 ERA in 22 starts with the Rockies this season. His career-high 10 wins are tied for the most on the club. Chatwood has been especially effective on the road, going is 6-1 with a 1.82 ERA (59.1 IP, 12 ER) in 10 starts away from Coors Field.

This marks Chatwood’s second stint on the disabled list this season. On June 19, he was placed on the disabled list June 19 with a mid-back strain suffered against the Miami Marlins. He came off the disabled list on July 5 and has gone 2-4 with a 4.97 ERA (41.2 IP, 23 ER) in eight starts since.

Chatwood is one of Colorado’s most surprising story of the season and has proved he can come back from injuries. Chatwood has found success this season after being out the entire 2015 season and a majority of the 2014 season after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in 2014.

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The 28-year-old Bergman was on Colorado’s Opening Day roster. He went 1-3 with a 5.89 ERA with four walks and 19 strikeouts in nine appearances for the Rockies. He made his only start April 16 at the Chicago Cubs and pitched five innings, allowing two runs on four hits.

On May 20, a strained left oblique landed Bergman on the 15-day disabled list. On July 9, he was removed from the disabled list and optioned to Triple-A.

Bergman went 2-3 with a 4.23 ERA in nine starts with Albuquerque.

In parts of three seasons (2014-16) with the Rockies, Bergman is 7-9 with a 5.35 ERA, posting 29 walks and 87 strikeouts.

Analysis: What does this mean for the Rockies?

Bergman was filling a key role for the Rockies when he was injured, primarily serving as the team’s long reliever. As I detailed in this article, Colorado has missed having Bergman in this role. Additionally, think about all of the pitchers who tried to fill the role in his absence, ranging from Jordan Lyles to Gonzalez Germen.

Now, with Bergman back, Walt Weiss can use Bergman or Chris Rusin in the role. Either can also make a spot start if needed.

Next: Where Do These 3 Pitchers Fit In With the Rockies?

Bergman moving into the starting rotation temporarily to take Chatwood’s place makes sense. He’s been working on being a starter in Albuquerque so it seems obvious for that to continue in Denver.