Colorado Rockies injury news: A change in Jon Gray’s return schedule

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray is working his way back from a right forearm flexor strain. Could his return to the mound be not as soon as he and the Rockies had hoped?

Here is the latest on Colorado Rockies pitcher Jon Gray and when he might return from injury.

Thomas Harding of MLB.com talked to Gray before the Rockies and San Diego Padres took the field on Wednesday afternoon. Gray told Harding that, after a bullpen session on June 14, he had hoped the next step in his return would be to face live batters. However, Gray will now throw another bullpen session on June 17.

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With that, Harding reasons that, with another bullpen session added, Gray could see a start in the minors before being declared ready to officially come off the 10-day injured list. That would add a few extra days onto Gray’s timetable as Gray originally said he thought he could return without any time in the minors. But that declaration was also before an additional bullpen session was added.

Gray told Harding that the additional bullpen session did not come into play for any health reasons, but rather to work on the “timing of his delivery.”

The 29-year-old right-hander left his June 4 home start against the Oakland A’s after just 2.1 innings. He gave up five earned runs during the abbreviated outing, the most earned runs he has allowed in any 2021 appearance.

Gray’s return and the timing of it is not only important for the Rockies this season, but also could play a role in the upcoming trade deadline. Gray has been projected as one of the top pitchers who could be available as July 30 inches ever closer. However, it has been reported that the Rockies will at least offer Gray a contract before finalizing any kind of trade. Additionally, Gray told us in an exclusive interview that he hoped to be able to work out a deal to stay in Denver.

We will be at Coors Field for the rest of the week as the Milwaukee Brewers come into Denver on Thursday for a four-game set and will bring you the latest on Gray’s potential return and other pieces of Rockies news.