Colorado Rockies: Ranking the 40-Man Roster: 21-25

Number 23

Chris Rusin: long reliever, spot starter Points: 143  Highest Rank: 18 Lowest 28

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Chris Rusin, the 30-year-old University of Kentucky product, was the brightest part of a shaky Rockies bullpen in 2016. Rusin did it all for the Rockies as he embraced the long man role. For example, Rusin eat up innings, limited damage, and spot started, all on a moments notice. In 84.1 innings, Rusin managed to post a career-bests in ERA (3.74), WHIP, SO per 9,  and walks per 9.

Rusin doesn’t overpower hitters but rather relies on moxie, intelligence, and deception to get hitters out. Originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2009 draft by the Cubs, Rusin was waived by in 2014. The Colorado Rockies took a shot on the lefty. Rusin has developed an unshakable mentality on the mound thanks to being waived, overlooked and bounced in and out of the rotation. As a result, Rusin is known as one of the Rockies fiercest competitors.

As we head into Spring Training, Rusin figures to be the favorite to earn the long man role man out of the pen. Expect continued success in 2017 if Rusin continues to pitch with a chip on his shoulder.