Colorado Rockies: 3 Things You Should Know on March 24

After roster moves, the Rockies are one day closer to Opening Day as reserves highlighted Thursday’s action struggling in all facets of the game. Here are three things you should know for March 24th.

Jeff Hoffman Sent to Triple-A

After failing to establish himself in Catus League play, Jeff Hoffman was sent down to Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday. As prize of the Troy Tulowitzki deal, Hoffman might be the Rockies future ace. Unfortunately, that journey will have to begin in New Mexico.

As a September call-up in 2016, Hoffman went 0-4 in eight games played, pitching to the tune of a 4.88 ERA. If the ERA is ugly enough, Hoffman’s Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) was a staggering 6.27, suggesting he pitched worse than what his ERA suggests. Consistency will indicate when he has truly progressed.

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Antonio Senzatela Struggles

Antonio Senzatela could have solidified his spot in the Rockies Opening Day rotation on Thursday. Considering the news that his main competitor in Hoffman was sent down to Minor League camp, the stars seemed to be aligning. Senzatela didn’t capitalize. In total, Senzatela through 5.1 frames, surrendering 10 hits and four earned runs.

Things just didn’t go well for the Rockies on Thursday. Primed with a minor league lineup the offense was stagnant, and an error really hurt Senzatela who struggled on the mound. On the plus side Greg Holland struck out the side in his inning of work, and follow reliever Mike Dunn continued his hitless spring.

Rockies Are MLB’s Best in Tough Counts

The Denver Post’s Nick Groke, makes a great observation in this article. In summary, the club is among the best in the bigs when it comes to hitting with two strikes. Third best as a matter of fact. Major Leaguers hit .176 with two strikes in 2016. Colorado hitters hit .191. The difference doesn’t seem significant, but as Groke points out, the difference equates to “15 extra hits every 1,000 at-bats”.

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According to Groke, the club not only hit better than most with two-strikes, but they hit with power too. The Rox tied with the Red Sox for best in the Majors with an OPS of .582.