Colorado Rockies: Pitchers auditioning now for 2020 roster spots

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 1: Jeff Hoffman #34 of the Colorado Rockies reacts after allowing a first-pitch home run to Adam Frazier #26 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning of a game at Coors Field on September 1, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 1: Jeff Hoffman #34 of the Colorado Rockies reacts after allowing a first-pitch home run to Adam Frazier #26 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning of a game at Coors Field on September 1, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

With 18 games left in the regular season, five Colorado Rockies starting pitchers have three to four more times on the mound to make an impression this season.

The Colorado Rockies have endured a wave of injuries this season, especially when it comes to pitching. All five of the Opening Week starters are currently on the injured list. With Chi Chi Gonzalez, Jeff Hoffman, Peter Lambert, Tim Melville and Antonio Senzatela currently making up the Colorado rotation, each has something left to prove in 2019.

Will any or all of them be in the mix for a late rotation spot in 2020? As we discussed in this article, we know Kyle Freeland, German Marquez and Jon Gray will anchor the Colorado rotation in 2020, but what about the back end? Do any of those five pitchers mentioned above play a role moving forward? Which of these five pitchers have the most to gain or lose the rest of the season with how they perform?

In our most recent podcast, my co-expert Noah Yingling and I discuss that question. He believes that Senzatela has the most still to prove this season on the mound. I add to that thought reminding him how high the Rockies were on Senzatela in the spring before a heel injury landed him on the injured list to start the campaign.

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Personally, I believe Hoffman has the most still to gain or lose this season. Acquired in the Troy Tulowitzki trade, the 26-year-old right-hander has yet to consistently produce on the mound for Colorado. He has, however, had his moments in two recent starts. Can he keep that small amount of momentum going for the rest of the season?

There are still plenty of questions to be answered about this rotation, including if Melville can continue his storybook rise this year and potentially secure a starting spot with the Rockies in 2020.

We talk about pitching, as well as make a comparison between the Rockies and the Pittsburgh Pirates, in our latest podcast. Click below to listen to it.

Next. 5 things the Rockies must do again to contend in 2020. dark