Colorado Rockies: Who Takes The Rotation Spot of Chad Bettis?

Jeff Hoffman

Hoffman came to the Rockies in the July 2015 trade that sent Troy Tulowitzki and LaTroy Hawkins to the Toronto Blue Jays. The now 24-year-old right-hander was a highly rated prospect who was expected to impact Colorado pitching sooner than later.

Hoffman did just that last season, earning his first Major League start on August 20 against the Chicago Cubs. It would be his worst outing of the season as he gave up seven runs (six earned) in four innings of work.

Colorado Rockies

In all, Hoffman saw action in eight games last season and drew six starts. As a starter, he was 0-4 with a 5.27 ERA. In his two games coming out of the bullpen, Hoffman posted a 2.25 ERA in four innings.

One startling stat about Hoffman last season is that he surrendered 37 hits in 31.1 innings while opponents batted .287 against him. He also struck out 22 batters while walking 17.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that he ended the season with a bang, logging seven strikeouts while giving up just two hits and one run in five innings of a no-decision against Milwaukee on October 1.

Hoffman has had his moments for the Rockies in the spring and will benefit from the experience he gained last season. There’s still plenty of room for growth and Hoffman may learn under a trial by fire if he grabs one of Colorado’s two open rotation spots.