Albuquerque Isotopes: Ryan Feltner shines in tough week

The Albuquerque Isotopes (the Triple-A team of the Colorado Rockies) had a rough week on the road as they went 2-4 against the Round Rock Express (the Texas Rangers’ Triple-A team.

Overall, the team struggled on most sides of the ball throughout the week. In their six-game series, they scored two or fewer runs in all four of their losses. On the pitching front, they gave up at least six runs in five of the six games.

On Friday, though, the Isotopes were able to win despite giving up seven runs. They won 10-7 after Ryan Feltner turned in a great start for the Isotopes.

Ryan Feltner was a big key for the Albuquerque Isotopes this past week

Ryan Feltner made a great start for the Albuquerque Isotopes on Friday. He went five innings and he allowed just two hits and one run. He walked three and struck out 10.

On Sunday, Rockies manager Bud Black was asked about what he heard about Feltner’s start and he described what Feltner has been doing well and what he needs to work on more.

“We’re keeping a close eye on (Feltner),” said Rockies manager Bud Black before Sunday’s Rockies game in Detroit. “He’s throwing well … He’s on our radar because he’s talented and he threw the ball well this spring with an uptick in velocity. There were some things in his delivery that we needed to get through to him and he’s a good listener (and) good learner.

“We’re hoping that those things get cleaned up this season because I think he can be a very solid major league starting pitcher … He’s really got to concentrate on keeping the ball down and elevating the ball when needed.”

At the MLB level, the Colorado Rockies had a doubleheader on Saturday so this week, they could look to have somebody come up from the minors to keep their starting rotation on regular rest. If they decide to not go with a bullpen game and go with a starter from Albuquerque, Feltner would almost certainly be the guy that the Rockies call up.

They would need that starter on Wednesday, which would line up perfectly for Feltner to start for the Rockies on regular rest.

As for the Isotopes, they have an off day on Monday but they return home to face the Sacramento River Cats in the first of a six-game series on Tuesday.