Colorado Rockies sign pitcher Chad Kuhl to boost rotation

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Colorado Rockies have boosted the back end of their rotation by signing former Pittsburgh Pirates hurler Chad Kuhl to a deal. As of this writing, terms had not been disclosed. However, the move is a Major League deal, so the Rockies will reportedly need to make a corresponding move on the 40-man roster.

Kuhl is a former ninth-round pick of the Pirates in the 2013 MLB draft. He made his debut on June 26, 2016, and has pitched in 100 games for Pittsburgh in his five-year career, starting 86 of them.

What can Chad Kuhl bring to the Colorado Rockies?

Kuhl will likely compete for the fifth starter job for the Colorado Rockies, along with Peter Lambert and Ryan Rolison, a pair of pitchers considered the likely favorites to land the role. However, that role could also change with the Rockies as Kuhl started just 14 of the 28 games he appeared in with Pittsburgh last season in an injury-filled campaign. He missed time early in the season with right shoulder discomfort, but came back as a starter, a role he held until he went on the injured list again on August 2 with COVID-19. After that, he appeared in a relief role in his last 14 outings, totaling 13.1 innings and posting a 6.75 ERA and 6.32 FIP. He struck out 17 in those innings, but also allowed four home runs.

The right-hander has a career ERA of 4.44 and ERA+ of 95. Home runs have been an issue for him during his career, as he has averaged 1.2 per nine innings.

According to Baseball Savant, Kuhl threw a heavy mix of sliders and fastballs last season. Here’s a look at some of his pitching from the 2020 campaign.

Look for Kuhl to compete in camp for a role in the rotation, but also could provide long relief help if needed.