Colorado Rockies: Bullpen reason for early success

The early success of the Colorado Rockies can be attributed to a variety of contributions from different players. From game to game, there seems to be a new hero every day in 2022. From Kris Bryant’s current seven-game hitting streak, to C.J. Cron’s home runs, to Connor Joe seemingly always getting on base, and even to the surprising three-run homer by Alan Trejo Friday night.

Those different contributions every game have led to the Rockies’ surprising 5-2 start to begin the season, but it has been the complete dominance and consistency of the bullpen that can explain the team’s success.

Don’t overlook the contributions of the Colorado Rockies bullpen in 2022

Through the first seven games, the Colorado Rockies bullpen has a Major League-leading 0.86 ERA and a third-best 0.957 WHIP in 31.1 innings pitched, allowing only three runs on 19 hits while striking out 28 and walking 11. They have also been credited with all five of the Rockies’ wins.

The bullpen’s lone blemish came from Daniel Bard’s blown save against the Texas Rangers on Monday, but the Rockies came back to win the game in extra innings. Bard has given up two of the bullpen’s three runs (Alex Colomé gave up the other) but is 3-for-4 in save opportunities with a 4.50 ERA.

The two biggest surprises has been the early success of Ty Blach and Ashton Goudeau. Blach earned a four-inning save in his first MLB appearance since 2019 against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday, then earned Friday night’s win over the Chicago Cubs in 1.2 innings of work. He has yet to give up a run in 5.2 innings while surrendering just one base hit.

Goudeau has been as good, giving up only two hits and a walk while striking out three in five innings over three appearances. He earned his first career save in the extra innings game against the Rangers.

The Rockies will have to continue relying heavily on the bullpen until the pitch counts increase for the starters and they go deeper into games. The dominance is unsustainable, but as long as the bullpen stays consistent, Bud Black will have no problems handing over them over the ball.