The Colorado Rockies pitching staff has been much improved in 2016 — well, at least to their standards — and it will only be getting better as the team moves forward this year.
Don’t look now, Rockies fans, but the Colorado Rockies are contending in the middle of May, and a big reason why is their improved pitching.
This year has been different in the fact that the Rockies are getting solid production from starters on a regular basis.
Guys like Tyler Chatwood and Chad Bettis have all taken major leaps forward this season, leading the Rockies rotation. Jon Gray has seemed to iron out some grooves, and the rest of the staff has held their own, which has allowed the Rockies to remain competitive in the NL West.
But wait, there’s more!
The Rockies bullpen currently ranks 24th out of the 30 MLB team’s, with an ERA of 4.16, and has help on the way.
Miguel Castro, who was acquired in the Troy Tulowitzki trade, has stepped up this year, posting an ERA of 1.13. Now back from a stint on the DL, Castro looks to return to form and continue to progress the Rox bullpen.
In addition to Castro, guys like Boone Logan and Jake McGee have been solid in repairing a bullpen that was detrimental in recent years.
The Rockies also have help on the way from minor league prospects and guys coming off the disabled list.
Jason Motte, the MLB save leader in 2012, is on the road to recovery from a shoulder strain that landed him on the DL prior to the season’s start. Once Motte returns from injury, the staff will get another solid, proven arm to round out their bullpen.
The Rox also have a prospect lying in wait: Jeff Hoffman, who was also acquired in the Tulo trade, too, and is making his way through the minors with an impressive 2.70 ERA.
With the decline in Jorge De La Rosa‘s performance, there is a change Hoffman could be with the club sooner than later.
The future is looking brighter than ever for the Rockies’ staff.
