Colorado Rockies injury updates: Kyle Freeland and Peter Lambert

Before the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks finished up their three-game series at Coors Field on Sunday afternoon, Rockies manager Bud Black gave an update on two of his starting pitchers currently on the injured list.

Here are the latest injury updates on Colorado Rockies pitchers Kyle Freeland and Peter Lambert.

First, let’s start with Kyle Freeland, who will reportedly start on Tuesday in New York against the Mets. The 28-year-old southpaw was throwing on the field prior to Sunday’s game at Coors Field and is expected to be activated from the injured list after suffering a shoulder strain in spring training in time to face Jacob deGrom on Tuesday in what should be a marquee pitching matchup.

If Freeland returns, it will be his first start of the 2021 season after making 13 starts in the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign.

deGrom, meanwhile, will also be returning to the mound after missing some time following a May 9 start when he left the game with pain in his side. The right-hander faced the Rockies at Coors Field earlier this season, striking out 14 in six innings and made history by striking out nine consecutive batters.

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Black would not commit to Freeland pitching in Tuesday’s game, however, citing that a roster move will still need to be made to clear a spot for Freeland’s return.

“He threw a bullpen session yesterday,” Black said of Freeland. “There’s a high probability that we’ll see him in a couple of days.”

Meanwhile, Peter Lambert is still working his way back to the mound following Tommy John surgery in July. Another step in the process of returning to the Rockies occurred on Saturday when Lambert threw a very brief bullpen session, throwing 15 pitches and then taking a break before throwing 15 more.

“It was at an intensity level that wasn’t 100 percent, but Peter is putting the work in and throwing to a level of intensity that is progress each and every time he takes the mound,” Black said. “He’s still months away from competitive action, but he’s building strength.”

Lambert is expected to be throwing at full strength in time for 2022 spring training, giving him a chance to compete for a spot in the starting rotation.