Colorado Rockies roster moves: Freeland to the DL and other moves

Before today’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies at 6:10 MST, the Rockies made a bevy of roster moves.

Not surprisingly, the Rockies have made a few roster moves before today’s game. Starting pitcher Kyle Freeland was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a left groin strain. He suffered this injury last night as he only faced two batters before being removed (as we discussed in this article from earlier today).

The Rockies also optioned Scott Oberg to Triple-A Albuquerque. As corresponding moves, the Rockies recalled right-handed relievers Carlos Estevez and Shane Carle.

In addition, the Rockies activated Chad Bettis from the 60-day disabled list and optioned him to Triple-A. According to Rockies manager Bud Black, though, he will only make one more start in Triple-A before being recalled to the majors. If he stays on his schedule of four days of rest, his return to the major leagues would be next Sunday against the Miami Marlins on the road.

Freeland in 2017

Freeland is 11-7 with a 3.70 ERA in 22 appearances (21 of them have been starts). This season, the rookie has been the Rockies most consistent starter but they will be without him for at least a little while. Depending on the severity of his strain, he could be out for six weeks (which is nearly the end of the season).

Oberg this season

Oberg has not had a good season as in 49 games in the major leagues this season, he has an ERA of 5.91 so it’s not surprising to see him sent back to Triple-A. In 42 2/3 innings pitched, he has allowed 57 hits and he has a WHIP of 1.758 but his FIP suggests that he has had a bit of bad luck as it is 3.59.

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Estevez and Carle in 2017

Estevez has had an excellent season at Triple-A as in 26 games, he has an ERA of 1.65. He has a WHIP of 1.028 and he is walking only three batters, striking out nearly nine, and only allowing six hits per nine innings.

However, at the major league level, he has not been as fortunate. In 18 games, he has an ERA of 8.10 (that’s not a typo) and he is allowing 13.5 hits per nine innings and his WHIP is 1.86. The strikeout, however, is actually better in the majors (9.7) and his walk rate is not much higher per nine innings (3.2).

Carle has only made one appearance in the majors and it was all the way back in April. He went an inning and did not give up a hit or a run. However, in Albuquerque this year, he has struggled. He is 3-5 with a 6.05 ERA in 31 appearances (three of which have been starts). His WHIP in Triple-A is 1.655 and he’s been allowing 11.5 hits per nine innings.

Next: A recap of Friday's game against the Phillies

Final Thoughts

It is not surprising to see the Rockies make some roster moves but I, personally, am surprised that the Rockies recalled Estevez and Carle since they have struggled this season (for Estevez, just in the majors). However, I don’t believe that either one of them will be in the major leagues for long (especially if they struggle) but for the interim, they give the Rockies some depth in the bullpen for the rest of the series and, perhaps, the road trip to Cleveland and Miami.