LOS ANGELES — The comparisons are inevitable.
Rockies right-hander Eddie Butler and Jon Gray are good friends. Both have been tossed around by the major-league roller-coaster that all young pitchers must endure. Butler was a supplemental first-round draft pick in 2012 (46th overall), while Gray was the much-celebrated third-overall pick in 2013.
The Rockies are convinced that both have untapped talent and potential, but it’s Gray who’s flashing signs that he’ll be the club’s next bona fide ace. He sure looked the part in Colorado’s 10-3 victory at San Diego on Monday night, striking out a career-high 12 batters over seven splendid innings.
When asked to recall the last time the Rockies had a pitcher who inspired as much faith as Gray does right now, star right fielder Carlos Gonzalez said: “Not since Ubaldo Jimenez. Ubaldo had a great career with the Rockies (2006-11). He was a hard-throwing guy, really fun to watch. (Gray) is one of those guys that can be even better than (Jimenez). He’s just getting started.”
Butler, who takes the mound Tuesday night against the Dodgers, knows he can get better, too.
“I need to improve in the first couple of innings,” said Butler, who is 2-3 with a 5.65 ERA. “That’s when I’ve been hurt a lot.”
In his last start, an 11-4 loss to Cincinnati at Coors Field, Butler served up home runs to Zack Cozart in the third inning and to Adam Duvall in the fourth.
Butler also wants to develop a curveball similar to the one that Gray has turned into a valuable weapon this season.
“There’s still work to do on my curveball,” he said. “Mine’s still a little too firm. I throw it in the low 80s, whereas Jon is throwing his at, like, 77-78 now. That’s a big difference. If I can get mine down there consistently, I will be much better.”
Butler has grown up a lot since making his big-league debut on June 6, 2014. Others have noticed his developing work ethic and maturity, too, but there’s still room for growth.
“I think he needs to continue to perfect his five-day routine, ” veteran catcher Nick Hundley said. “I think he’s in the process of finding out what will make him consistent. Obviously his stuff is there and he’s thrown the ball well at times, but the consistency hasn’t been there yet.
“That’s true of most young players. It’s not a matter of talent, it’s about doing it every fifth day and giving us a chance to win every fifth day. He doesn’t have to go out and throw eight scoreless, but he has to put us in a chance to win.”
Hundley said a pitcher’s game success is the product of off-day work.
“It’s about what Eddie does in his bullpens and in the weight room and discovering what works for him,” Hundley said. “I think he’s doing a much better job of that this year.”
Manager Walt Weiss said he wants to see Butler improve his changeup and fastball command. As for Butler’s composure on the mound, Weiss said: “He’s grown up some. Guys are all wired differently .. and Eddie’s an emotional guy. You can see it in his side sessions. It’s a matter of channeling that emotion in a positive manner.”
