Colorado Rockies: Rockstar reliever Adam Ottavino placed on DL

DENVER –  On Monday, the Colorado Rockies placed right-handed reliever Adam Ottavino on the 10-day disabled list with a left oblique strain. The corresponding move was to recall right-handed reliever Scott Oberg from Triple-A Albuquerque.

The 32-year-old last pitched on Sunday and threw four pitches in two-thirds of an inning of work, forcing the Cincinnati Reds into a double play.

Ottavino has appeared in 27 of the Rockies’ 53 games and the club is 20-7 when he does get work. In 28.1 innings of work he has been practically unhitable allowing just eight knocks to the 99 batters he’s faced.

Even more astounding is his strikeout rate which is at 45.5 percent. That ranks fourth in MLB and he has the third most strikeouts from the bullpen in MLB this season with 45. He has walked just 10 and has allowed three runs this season totaling his ERA at 0.95.

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In his eight Major League Seasons the New York Native has appeared in 318 games and has pitched 363.2 innings. Since coming to Colorado in 2012, one could make the case that he has become one of the best bullpen pieces in franchise history.

Given a two year contract before 2017 at the price of several million a season last year was a struggle for the righty but this year has been much better. Ottavino is a free agent at season’s end but with the struggles of the other relievers Ottavino has made it pretty well known that he’s the essential piece for the Rockies.

From the right-side Bryan Shaw is the best candidate to replace “Otto.” Though, Shaw has really struggled in his first year in Denver, posting a 6.04 ERA across an NL leading 28 games. While that has been bad, he also leads MLB in scores appearances with 20. When it has rained, it has poured.

On the left-side Jake McGee or Mike Dunn will give Bud Black options. Each of the high paid relievers have struggled at points in 2018 but have had great careers overall.

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For now Oberg, 28, is back for his second stint in the bigs this season. He has struggled mightily with inherited runners which cost him a demotion.