Colorado Rockies moving Wade Davis out of closer role

Following another ninth-inning meltdown at home on Wednesday, it appears that the Colorado Rockies are ready to change closers.

According to a tweet from Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post, Wade Davis will be moved out of the closer role when the Colorado Rockies open a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field on Friday night. This follows a ninth-inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday afternoon when Davis gave up five runs (on two home runs) in Colorado’s 5-1 loss.

It marked the end to another horrific month at home for Davis. Overall in July, he posted a 10.80 ERA, giving up seven hits in 6.2 innings. All of the hits and runs surrendered came while pitching at Coors Field.

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Struggling in Denver has been nothing new for Davis this season. In 21 home games (18.1 innings), he is 0-5 with an 11.29 ERA. Away from Coors Field, the 33-year-old right-hander has a 0.68 ERA in 15 games spanning 13.1 innings.

Davis signed a three-year, $52 million deal before the 2018 season as the Rockies attempted to build a “super bullpen” that included Davis, Bryan Shaw and Jake McGee, all of whom were inked to new contracts. All three, however, have struggled mightily at times as the “super bullpen” never came to fruition.

This season, Davis is being paid $18 million and is due $17 million next season. He has a 2021 option that vests with 30 games finished in 2020. If that number isn’t reached, it converts to a mutual option.

Colorado manager Bud Black said that Scott Oberg will take over the closer role for now. According to a tweet from Nick Groke of The Athletic, Davis will move into a middle innings role. Oberg is 5-1 with a 1.59 ERA this season, including a 1.63 ERA at Coors Field.

Oberg was rumored as a potential trade-away for the Rockies before the trade deadline. However, if he thrives in the closer role, he could keep the role heading into the 2020 season. That would force the Rockies into an interesting decision with Davis and his contract.