Don’t look now, but the disaster that’s been the Rockies bullpen, which still holds a National League-worst 5.53 ERA, is showing slight signs of progress. No, it’s certainly not even close to pitching like a $100 million-plus investment should warrant, but the unit’s gears are churning, ever slowly, in a positive direction.
- Chris Rusin has only allowed one earned run in his last seven appearances, a 2.25 ERA in that time compared with his 6.55 mark on the season a whole. The left-hander also posted two straight scoreless outings of two and two-plus innings, with his one-hit fifth and sixth Thursday critical in the Rockies’ roller-coaster win. Manager Bud Black noted he’s seen better action and increased downward location on Rusin’s pitches throughout June.
- Scott Oberg and Mike Dunn returned from the disabled list in San Francisco, and Black immediately called upon Oberg to toss 1.1 innings of scoreless relief to keep Colorado hanging around in a 0-0 ballgame Wednesday. Despite both of their struggles earlier this season, their veteran presences are no doubt a big step up from the combination of youngsters Jeff Hoffman (10.13 ERA) and Brooks Pounders (7.63), both of whom were optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque when Oberg and Dunn came back.
- Yency Almonte’s long-term impact is yet to be seen, but it’s hard not to be encouraged by the rookie’s pair of appearances since being called up June 21. In two innings, “Showtime” has not yet allowed an earned run.
- Southpaw Harrison Musgrave gave up a walk-off homer to Brandon Crawford in the Rockies’ 1-0 loss on Wednesday at AT&T Park, but one hanging slider isn’t a true indicator of how well the rookie has pitched to even earn the chance to appear in a tie ballgame in the ninth in the first place. The 26-year-old continues to post impressive splits against left-handed hitters to the tune of a .194 average, fourth-best on the team behind Rusin (.180), Adam Ottavino (.140) and closer Wade Davis (.089).
- Speaking of Ottavino, there’s nothing to worry about with him even though he saw his 15.0 scoreless inning streak snapped Tuesday while being pegged with the loss before going on to surrender two runs — and the lead — in the Rockies’ comeback win Thursday. The Giants’ damage Thursday was especially fluky, with two bloop singles paving the way. Meanwhile, Davis is tied with San Diego’s Brad Hand for after closing the door on San Francisco to avoid the sweep.
- Bryan Shaw remains the biggest question mark. The right-hander threw an extensive bullpen Wednesday at AT&T Park under the watchful eye of Black and pitching coach Steve Foster, and Ottavino even lugged a bunch of his video equipment out there in order to give Shaw more extensive footage of his mechanics. Whether the trip to the disabled list to figure out his issues (3-5, 7.57 ERA) will work is anybody’s guess, while Jake McGee also still has to come around, having yielded earned runs in five of his last seven appearances.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to The Denver Post and
Whatap on tap?
- At Los Angeles Dodgers, 8:10 p.m. Friday, ATTRM
- At Los Angeles Dodgers, 5:15 p.m. Saturday, ATTRM
- At Los Angeles Dodgers, 2:10 p.m. Sunday, ATTRM
- San Francisco Giants, 6:40 p.m. Monday, ATTRM
- San Francisco Giants, 6:10 p.m. Tuesday, ATTRM
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scores, Stats and Standings
Must-Read
With Rockies’ fading playoff hopes pegged at around 4 percent, Colorado must catch fire to get back in the picture
Now is the time to sound the alarm for a Colorado club laden with high expectations: If the Rockies don’t start ripping off wins, and ripping them off with consistency well into September, they’ll be watching the postseason from the couch.Read more…
Rockies remain lone National League team with only five starting pitchers this season, but rotation must improve to make a playoff run
With perhaps the deepest and sturdiest rotation in the club’s quarter-century history, all five of the Rockies’ starting pitchers have shown enough flashes of dominance this season to inspire faith in even the most cynical fan.Read more…
Saunders: Will Nolan Arenado ever replace Todd Helton as Rockies’ greatest player?
I vividly remember Sept. 29, 2013. It was working the cramped and antiquated visitors clubhouse at Dodger Stadium, hunting for stories and tidbits on the final day of Todd Helton’s brilliant career.Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Rockies Podcast:Breaking down the Colorado rotation with pitching coach Steve Foster
+Rockies avoid ugly sweep in San Francisco behind DJ LeMahieu’s clutch ninth-inning homer
+The Rockies look like sellers. Who should they trade at the July 31 deadline?
+Rockies’ killer Barry Bonds — who tagged the team for a record 54 homers — reminisces on playing against Colorado
+ Rockies Mailbag: Coors Field blues, Nolan Arenado’s future, MLB trade talk and more
+Rockies reinstate Mike Dunn, Scott Oberg from DL; option Jeff Hoffman, Brooks Pounders to Triple-A
+NL All-Star Game voting update: Rockies’ Nolan Arenado’s third-base lead increases
+Nolan Arenado channeling passion — and anger — to get Rockies on track
+Kiszla vs. Saunders: Who deserves to be an all star: Rockies’ Trevor Story or Adam Ottavino?
+Nolan Arenado named National League player of week
+CarGo says Rockies need to start rolling if they want to stay in NL West hunt
+Bryan Shaw, Rockies’ struggling reliever, goes on the DL; Yency Almonte called back up
+Rockies’ all-star ballot: Here’s who Bud Black, Colorado players would have starting for the National League
+Rockies players from the past return for the 25th anniversary team celebration at Coors Field
+Considering Ian Desmond’s surge — and with his numbers in perspective — has the Rockies’ first baseman been given an unfair shake?
+Rockies Record Tracker:See how Colorado has fared against each opponentthis season.
+Want to chat about the Rockies?
By The Numbers
19
That’s the number of home runs hit by Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado entering play Friday, tied for most in the National League this season.
Parting Shot
Rockies’ hitters bust out a new celebratory move. But you won’t catch DJ LeMahieu doing it.
An array of Rockies lounged on the couches in the middle of the visiting clubhouse at AT&T Park prior to the team’s roller-coaster comeback win on Thursday, trying to brainstorm a new celebratory move for when Colorado batters got on base.Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion,email me at dboniface@denverpost.comortweet me .
