Colorado Rockies news: Jeff Hoffman’s return, Scott Oberg update

There were two news items that developed late on Thursday night involving a starter for the Colorado Rockies for Sunday’s game and an update on their closer.

Thomas Harding of MLB.com noted on Twitter last night that the Colorado Rockies are likely to recall right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman for Sunday’s four-game series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates. If that does end up reigning true, Hoffman would be taking the rotation spot that was vacated by the Rockies optioning Rico Garcia back to Albuquerque, after making just one start with the Rockies.

Garcia started in place of German Marquez on Tuesday. Marquez was placed on the 10-day injured list with right arm inflammation on Monday.

For Hoffman, it would be his tenth start of the season for the Rockies and in his nine starts, he is 1-4 with a 7.81 ERA (68 ERA+), a 6.43 FIP, and a 1.661 WHIP.

Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Rockies use Hoffman a bit more in September to see if he has any improvement in his results so that they can determine whether or not he’s part of their future plans.

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An update on Scott Oberg

Scott Oberg posted on his personal Instagram page on Thursday that he is “looking forward to having a normal off-season and being ready spring training!” after resolving his issue with blood clots in his right arm.

Oberg had a procedure done in Denver that dissolved the clot between his shoulder and elbow and when the Rockies went to St. Louis last weekend, he traveled with the team and had a full vascular surgery in St. Louis by Dr. Robert Thompson, who also did his previous surgery in 2016 had to address Oberg’s blood clots. He also has performed other thoracic outlet surgeries on other MLB players, including former Rockies ace Aaron Cook.

He was also at Coors Field on Thursday and in uniform when he spoke to the media, including Thomas Harding of MLB.com, before the game.

"“I was hoping that it wouldn’t come to this, but I knew I wasn’t sore and I knew I wasn’t hurt,” said Oberg. “It just felt really heavy. I did some activities in the morning — pick up my daughter, go get coffee. My arm just wouldn’t bounce back. It was very heavy, very fatigued. I had to address it.”"

However, Oberg said that there is no chronic condition with it, just a freak incident with it. Weight training will be delayed for him but he expects to have a normal throwing program some time this offseason and be ready for Spring Training.