Colorado Rockies: Injuries shift look of roster ahead of Dodgers series

The Colorado Rockies head into their final series of the season with plenty of changes to their roster as they head to Chavez Ravine to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers, beginning on Friday night.

Injuries have shifted the look of the Colorado Rockies roster ahead of the finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers

Let’s start with those who have returned from injury as the Colorado Rockies have their starting middle infield for the majority of the campaign back and healthy for the six-game series in Los Angeles. Shortstop José Iglesias is back with the team after a stint on the 10-day injured list with a hand injury and second baseman Brendan Rodgers has returned following an issue with his hamstring.

With those returns, two key pieces for the Rockies have taken their places on the injured list and seen their seasons come to a close.

Outfielder Charlie Blackmon has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee and will undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair the issue. Blackmon is expected to be ready in time for spring training next season, a year where he is expected to pick up his option and continue his career that has only taken place in a Rockies uniform.

Additionally, reliever Carlos Estévez was moved from the COVID-IL to the 15-day injured list, putting an end to a season where the 29-year-old right-hander became a reliable setup man for the Rockies, setting the table for closer Daniel Bard as opponents hit just .211 against him this season.

Estévez is slated to be a free agent this offseason, and his future in a Rockies uniform is unclear. However, Bard has already stated how he hopes Estevez returns to the Colorado bullpen in 2023.

Another outfielder, Connor Joe, was also placed on the injured list with a right serratus strain in order to make room, putting a bow on what was a disappointing 2022 season.