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

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Oct 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher German Marquez (67) throws to first after losing his glove fielding the ball in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher German Marquez. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Number 22

German Marquez: starter Points: 143 Highest Rank: 18 Lowest 31

21-year-old Venezuelan German Marquez came out of general obscurity to reach the big leagues late in 2016. In total, Marquez started three games, while appearing in six games total, pitching a total of 20.2 innings. Marquez looked exciting times and young in others. Marquez is just one of many Venezuelan nationals currently on the Rockies 40-man roster.

Over five minor league seasons, Marquez sports a fantastic ERA of 3.63 and competed over three different in 2016. The vast majority of Marquez’s logged innings came at Double-A Hartford where he was outstanding. In 21 starts, Marquez was 9-6 with 2.85 ERA and striking out 8.5 batters per nine. Keep in mind that while Marquez was dominating Double-A, he was 3.5 years younger than the average age of the competition.

With Spring Training just over the horizon, Marquez will be competing for a rotation spot. Ultimately, Marquez figures to be the odd man out on Opening Day, but then again, more odd things have happened.