Colorado Rockies podcast: The Kyle Freeland injury, the bullpen, the importance of Ryan McMahon, and The Athletic

In Episode 41 of the Rox Pile Rockies Report, my fellow co-expert, Kevin Henry, and I discuss the injury of Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland, how long he’ll be out for, and the aftermath that may ensue with it.

There are three candidates that could replace him in the rotation and we discuss each of their three cases.

We also talk about Ben Bowden and Lucas Gilbreath and their prospects on being left-handed relievers in the Rockies bullpen.

Ryan McMahon is also discussed a lot as we discuss this article a little bit more and some staggering splits that we found about him.

More from Rox Pile

• A Colorado Rockies Thanksgiving
• Colorado Rockies: What if Todd Helton had played football instead?
• Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon out for the season
• Colorado Rockies: Injuries shift look of roster ahead of Dodgers series
• Colorado Rockies: Has Sean Bouchard earned a second look in 2023?

We also asked manager Bud Black his opinions on who else might be in the 2nd spot in the lineup if McMahon isn’t in and you can hear from Black himself on the three guys he is most comfortable with there. One of them may even surprise you.

The Athletic had a bombshell article (subscription required) about the Rockies and the culture around the team in 2020 and the team in general and we analyze a few pieces of that. It’s something that, if you don’t have a subscription already, is well worth the subscription.

We also discussed how the Rockies do have some culture surrounding them and how it developed. Kevin got the scoop on it when he was in Spring Training a few weeks ago and had this article on it. However, he delves more into it on the podcast.

And finally, we wrap up with a rant from yours truly. I had a rant in the last two episodes so I had to do one this time too.

You can download the podcast anywhere you download your other podcasts or you can listen to it above. We have a few special guests lined up for the near future so stay tuned for those interviews on Rox Pile Rockies Report podcast.