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Colorado Rockies: 3 things we have learned so far on this road trip

By Kevin Henry

May 18, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Alexi Amarista (2) throws to second base in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Alexi Amarista (2) throws to second base in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Colorado Rockies meeting at the mound
May 11, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies pitching coach Steve Foster (left) talks with relief pitcher Scott Oberg (45) during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

The Rockies bullpen needs an upgrade

While Mike Dunn had his share of trouble in Cincinnati on Saturday, it also exposed a glaring weakness for the Rockies this season. There is a bad gap between the starters and handing the ball over to Greg Holland for the save.

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After giving up two runs on Saturday, Scott Oberg’s ERA has crept up to 5.50. Chad Qualls gave up three runs against the Reds to see his ERA move up to 5.19. Jordan Lyles has an ERA of 8.53 this season in 12 appearances. Carlos Estevez showed he still had work to do in Triple-A after allowing a pair of hits in a 26th-man outing during the May 18 double-header against Minnesota.

If the Rockies are going to contend in the National League West, the bullpen has to get better and stronger. Certainly there’s been an upgrade with Holland as the closer and Chris Rusin providing help in long- or short-term relief when needed (his consistency and 2.28 ERA this season has really been overlooked). However, there are still too many times that a Rockies reliever enters the game and you never know what you’re going to get from him.

Are there reinforcements in the minors? Possibly. CC Lee and Matt Carasiti are having solid seasons in Albuquerque. However, don’t be surprised to see the Rockies look to upgrade their bullpen even further as the trading deadline creeps closer.

Next: Vote now: Who was Colorado's best offseason acquisition?

When the Rockies released Stephen Cardullo on May 19, it opened up a spot on Colorado’s 40-man roster. The Rockies have yet to fill it. Don’t be surprised if that spot is filled by someone who could make the middle bullpen much stronger than it currently is.

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