Colorado Rockies: Did the starting rotation become much more clear?

The Colorado Rockies entered Spring Training with question marks with their fourth and fifth starters. However, as spring has gone on and with a possible injury, the Rockies starting rotation may be much more clear.

The Colorado Rockies are going to be relying heavily on the top end of their starting rotation if they plan on returning to the playoffs in 2020. They will also need more consistency out of their starters at the back-end of their rotation.

One of the contenders for the back-end of the rotation is Peter Lambert. He came on in relief of his fellow competitor, Chi Chi Gonzalez, in Tuesday’s game for the Colorado Rockies against the Cincinnati Reds. Lambert, 22, was pulled after pitching just 1 1/3 innings due to forearm tightness. He allowed four hits and two runs in the Rockies 5-5 tie.

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Depending on how severe Lambert’s injury is, he could be out of the race for the starting rotation. Even if he is not out long, Lambert could be sent to Triple-A Albuquerque to start the season in favor of Antonio Senzatela and Gonzalez in the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation.

Gonzalez, 28, has an option remaining (he has one and Lambert has three) and while he has struggled a bit in spring training, he was excellent on Tuesday as he pitched three scoreless innings while striking out three and only allowing one hit. That should help his case for the rotation. After his start, he spoke with the media, including Rox Pile’s Duane DaPron, about his start and DaPron also exclusively spoke with Gonzalez later. You can read that article here.

Another competitor for the back-end of the rotation is Jeff Hoffman and he should see some more game action by the end of the week. However, he has struggled mightily (5 2/3 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K) and he has only started a game once (along with two relief appearances). Both of those signal to Hoffman being on the outside looking in, at least in the rotation battles.

Rox Pile’s Kevin Henry and Duane DaPron are both in Scottsdale with the Rockies this week so stay tuned to the site and Twitter (@RoxPileFS) for any updates on Lambert’s condition and other news and exclusive interviews with the Rockies.