Colorado Rockies: Bud Black gives injury update on Tyler Anderson

Prior to the Colorado Rockies closing out their series against the Detroit Tigers at Coors Field on Wednesday afternoon, Colorado manager Bud Black gave an updated on injured starting pitcher Tyler Anderson.

Anderson has battled a left knee injury throughout the 2017 season, finally undergoing arthroscopic surgery in late June. The 27-year-old left-hander had tried to come back from the knee injury before undergoing surgery but had to be removed from a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 25 in the third inning. That’s the last time that Anderson has seen time with the Rockies.

This season, in 13 games (12 starts), Anderson is 3-5 with a 6.11 ERA with a 1.55 WHIP. He has struck out 63 batters in 63.1 innings of work.

Bud Black said Anderson still has some work to do before rejoining the team, even with roster expansion set to happen on September 1.

"“Tyler’s desire to come back and pitch is really high. He wants to be a part of this. He’s working his butt off,” Black said. “His arm feels great. The knee has been the concern all along. Trying to get that knee healthy and get the quad and hammy and everything strong where he’s just in a good spot physically overall. He’s gotten to that point as evident by the number of bullpens, simulated games and even pitching in the minor leagues.”"

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Black said that Anderson would pitch tomorrow (Thursday) for Triple-A Albuquerque for what he labeled “a couple of innings.” Black said that was the plan with Anderson’s last outing but he didn’t have the stuff needed to get through those innings. In just one inning on August 27 against Salt Lake City, Anderson surrendered four runs and five hits and walked a batter. He threw just 33 pitches before being lifted.

"“He made bad pitches. It wasn’t because he wasn’t healthy. He just didn’t pitch good,” Black said."

After pitching on Thursday, it’s possible that Anderson will pitch again somewhere before the Rockies evaluate whether he will join the Major League club. With the minor league schedule winding down, those options may be limited. However, Black and the Rockies need to see that Anderson can positively contribute during what will be a critical run against primarily National League West teams in September.

"“He won’t get to the point where he can be able to throw seven innings or eight innings or nine innings or throw 100 pitches or 110 pitches, but he might be able to functional on our pitching staff,” Black said."

Next: The latest injury update on Carlos Gonzalez

That assessment sounds like Anderson would be a part of the bullpen if and when he returns to Denver this season.