Colorado Rockies: Antonio Senzatela could get a rotation spot

As we get further into Spring Training, we really start to see the battles progress. One, in particular, to watch is the pitching duel for the rotation spots. One man that has been making a name for himself at Spring Training is Antonio Senzatela. As he gaining experience and working with pitching coach Steve Foster, bullpen coach Darren Holmes, and director of pitching operations Mark Wiley to build up his repertoire he just may have a spot in the rotation.

Spring Training is the time to make a name for yourself and try to get a spot on the roster. Antonio Senzatela is doing just that. The Denver Post reported on how Senzatela was expanding his pitch types. Senzatela added two deadly pitches to his arsenal: a curveball and change-up. He used his bullpen sessions wisely as he retaught himself both pitches.

Doing so has done him well this spring. He’s given up 8 hits and 3 runs (all earned) with 7 strikeouts in 9 innings pitched. He currently has an ERA of 3.00 with a 2-1 win-loss record. Most people would say what happens at Spring Training never equates over to the regular season, but I’d beg to differ with Senzatela.

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Senzatela in 2017

In 2017, Antonio Senzatela put up some great numbers for it being his first year. Only 22 in 2017, he had a record of 10-5 with a higher ERA of 4.68 along with a WHIP of 1.300. He also had 102 strikeouts and only 47 walks. At the end of the season, he played in a total of 36 games, 20 of those he was the starter.

Now I’d say these are pretty good stats for a guy this age surrounded by guys the same age. Being bunched in with the rest of the young starters is hard. So, being that Senzatela was able to come out with a season like this should get him a pat on the back. That’s when the question of if Senzatela should be a starter or a reliever starts to pop up.

Rox Pile’s own Brady Vernon pondered that same question in his article here.

Leading off of that I even had trouble deciding where to put him. In my Opening Day roster article, it took me a while to figure out where to put him. With thatm it may also give us insight into how Bud Black or the pitching coaches also feel about on where Senzatela should be. Either way he’d be a vital asset to the bullpen and most definitely the rotation.

Final Thoughts

With the way Antonio Senzatela is working on his stuff he’s got a chance at getting a rotation spot. The Colorado Rockies have a good potential starter on their hands and all they have to do is pull the trigger on it and give him a shot. Having Senzatela in the rotation the Rockies will have stability and a balancing weight once everyone falls into place.

Hopefully by the end of Spring Training, we will not only see Antonio Senzatela name on the Opening Day roster, but also the starting rotation.