SURPRISE, Ariz. — Rockies manager Bud Black continues to say that several pitchers are competing for the fifth spot in the starting rotation. Right-hander Antonio Senzatela, 22, is in the mix, and Black has mentioned his name numerous times.
Black did so again Tuesday after watching Senzatela work like a veteran for three scoreless innings against the Rangers. Senzatela allowed one hit and struck out four. He threw 31 strikes in 48 pitches. His fastball hummed, his changeup confounded and his slider cut corners.
He might be destined to begin the season at Triple-A, but he’s caught Black’s eye.
“He looked good, didn’t he?” Black said. “He’s on our radar and we’ve talked about it. The ball comes out nice … he throws the ball downhill with some angle and he’s got good velocity. Plus he throws a tight little slider and a good changeup. Our minor-league people like this guy a lot. There is a reason for that.”
Senzatela was pleased with his performance. “I just tried to make good pitches and work on my timing. It was a pretty good day…I had my fastball command.”
To end the sixth inning Senzatela struck out veteran Mike Napoli, setting him up with a 94 mph fastball and then whiffing him on a 83-mph slider.
Senzatela went 4-1 with a 1.82 ERA over seven starts last season at Double-A Hartford, but missed time because of a shoulder strain. His shoulder is healthy now.
Praise for DJ. Black knew that second baseman was the defending National League batting champion. He knew he was one of the most consistent defenders in baseball. Now, midway through spring training, he knows why LeMahieu is how he is.
“Getting to know DJ and watching him play in these spring training games, and watching him practice, I see why he’s a really good player,” Black said. “Because he practices his butt off. And the practice that he does shows up in the game.”
Footnotes. Left-hander , sidelined because of a mildly strained right oblique, is making progress but there is no timetable for his return….The Rockies have their first off day of spring training on Wednesday and then return to the field Thursday when they host Puerto Rico’s World Baseball Classic team at Salt River Fields.
