Colorado Rockies: Deep rotation faces a Monday question

DENVER — Antonio Senzatela’s preseason injury cost him from breaking Spring Training in the starting five. Now fully healthy, the 24-year-old right-hander has pushed somebody from the Colorado Rockies rotation. We just don’t know who yet.

The Colorado Rockies have already moved starter Chad Bettis to the bullpen, but he hasn’t made an appearance from there yet. The Colorado club has rolled four starters the past week with Tyler Anderson sidelined on the injured list. His minor injury is cleared and he’s expected off the shelf on Monday when the Rockies need a fifth starter.

That begs the question: Will it be Anderson or Bettis in the fifth spot? Moreover, has Antonio Senzatela passed each and solidified his role as a starter after two seasons back-and-forth from the pen to begin his career?

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Senzatela has earned his spot. Lost in the offensive struggles of October, the Venezuelan started a game in the NLDS. He has pitched well for two years now with a 15-10 record, 4.48 ERA in 190.2 innings pitched as a starter.

In that same span (2017-current), Anderson has a 4.94 ERA in 266.0 innings while Bettis has a 5.50 ERA in 168.2 innings.

By ERA is how the Rockies rotation is more or less going to shake out. They’re in a unique position relative to franchise history. They now have several really sound options to fill out their rotation and they have the health to pick from the best.

Anderson’s health has kept him from his best self. Senzatela has been unlucky with his best performances and when they’ve happened. Meanwhile, Bettis has been steady but unspectacular.

Perhaps Bettis can use his savvy and be a valuable piece in an undermaned Rockies relief corps. However, his velocity drop to start the season may dispute how effective he can be in that role.

Whatever happens, the Rockies arguably have their best starting five ever. And that’s not just because Kyle Freeland and German Marquez are at the top. If Senzatela can be dependable and Jon Gray stays the pitcher he’s shown flashes of being, the Rockies will be fine, no matter what their bullpen or offense looks like.