Colorado Rockies podcast: Arenado’s struggles and Murphy’s return

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 23: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies reacts to a strike during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 23, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 23: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies reacts to a strike during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 23, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Colorado Rockies dropped their fifth straight game on Tuesday night in Philadelphia, despite a ninth-inning rally. But there was plenty that happened before and during the game that will have Rockies fans talking on Tuesday.

First, let’s talk about the good news. Thomas Harding of MLB.com reported that reliever Adam Ottavino threw 38 pitches before Tuesday’s game and could be getting close to a return, possibly even as soon as the end of the Phillies series on Thursday or the start of the road series against the Texas Rangers on Friday. He is scheduled to be examined on Wednesday and that will likely determine next steps.

That would be welcome news for a bullpen that has struggled while Ottavino has been on the disabled list with a left oblique strain. He has put up All-Star caliber numbers, including a 0.95 ERA while striking 45 batters in 28.1 innings.

Also good news is the return of Tom Murphy to the Rockies clubhouse. A part of the Colorado roster for the first time this season, the 27-year-old catcher made a triumphant return in Philadephia. Going 3-for-4 with two RBI, Murphy provided the offensive spark that Rockies fans were hoping he would provide after belting 16 homers and knocking in 45 runs for Triple-A Albuquerque.

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Now for the bad news … and it once again revolves around Bryan Shaw. The reliever pitched one inning and gave up what would be the winning run as his ERA climbed to 7.09 on the season. He has now allowed run in eight of his last 11 appearances and shows little signs of shaking out of a slump that is painful to watch.

And how about Nolan Arenado? A game-ending strikeout was symbolic of a night that continued his slump. Over the last seven games, the All-Star third baseman is 5-for-29. In June, he has just two extra-base hits.

So what’s going on with Shaw and Arenado? What kind of an impact will Murphy have on the Rockies? And how about Jon Gray, who took the loss on Tuesday despite logging 10 strikeouts? These questions and more are discussed by Rox Pile’s Jake Shapiro on his latest Rockie Road podcast.

Next: Is Trevor Story the best shortstop in the National League?

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