Jeff Criswell to have Tommy John Surgery: What does that mean for the Rockies' bullpen?

The Colorado Rockies’ pitching staff has been making big strides this spring.

On Sunday, the Rockies’ bullpen took a big hit, however. 

Colorado announced that right-handed reliever Jeff Criswell will need Tommy John Surgery, and his season is officially over. 

Though Criswell, just 25 years old, who made his Major League debut with the Rockies last season, didn’t have overwhelmingly impressive results in 2025, enough positive signs led Colorado to pencil him into a key releiver role this coming season. 

That however, won’t be the case now that he will have season-ending surgery. So where does that leave Colorado’s bullpen? Well it means that the Rockies really need the likes of Jake Bird and Angel Chivilli to step up and pitch well.

The Rockies had also recently placed Justin Lawrence on waivers, leaving another hole in the bullpen. That will give even more opportunites to Gabriel Hughes, Michael Prosecky and other youthful prospects who may end up being called upon to fill the vacancy left by the unfortunate injury to Criswell. 

No matter who it is though, the Rockies’ bullpen was an area of concern going into the season, and now it becomes an even bigger concern as Colorado begins the second half of the season. Hopefully one or two guys mentioned above emerges and solves that problem before opening day.

Note: The Rockies also announced on Sunday that Austin Gomber, who was scratched from his start against the Mariners, will be shut down for the foreseeable future. Manager Bud Black didn’t give a complete timetable for Gomber’s return.