Ty Blach’s Colorado homecoming followed a long, winding, and often steep road.
But when the Rockies break camp Wednesday and return to Denver for their season opener against the Dodgers on Friday at Coors Field, it’s likely that the Regis Jesuit High graduate will be on their roster.
“Ty’s deep in the mix,” manager Bud Black said, all but confirming Blach will be part of the bullpen.
The left-hander doesn’t look a whole lot older than he did when he graduated from Regis in 2009. But Blach’s 31 now and he’s been through the often heartbreaking grind of professional baseball, including undergoing Tommy John surgery in July 2020.
Blach’s rookie-like enthusiasm belies the fact that he hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2019.
“It’s been amazing, knowing that I would get an opportunity this spring to show that I’m healthy and give it my best shot,” Blach said. “I’m enjoying every moment of this, especially knowing they have confidence in me.”
If by chance Blach should move into a starting role at some point, the Rockies would have two native Colorado lefties in their rotation, with Black joining Kyle Freeland.
For now, Blach projects as a long reliever, spot starter and someone who can provide depth for the Rockies and at Triple-A Albuquerque.
“We were looking for a veteran pitcher who could help us in Triple-A,” general manager Bill Schmidt said, explaining why Colorado originally signed Blach to a minor-league deal with an invitation to big-league camp. “With Ty’s background and experience, and the fact that he had options left, he was a fit.”
It could be a busy spring for the lefty, giving him chances to prove himself on the big stage.
Spring training was delayed by the Major League Baseball lockout, meaning starting pitchers have not been stretched out as much as they normally would be. So their innings will be limited in their first few starts and that means more work for Blach. Plus, the weather delays that often come with spring baseball in Colorado could mean a heavy load for the bullpen.
Blach doesn’t overpower hitters and his 12.7% strikeout rate is more than nine points lower than the MLB average, but his 89-91 mph sinking fastball, paired with an effective changeup, has produced grounders at a 47.4% clip during his career, better than the 45.5% league average.
“I like Ty as a pitcher,” Black said. “He changes speeds well, commits to both sides of the plate. There is a lot to like. He’s shown well.”
After graduating from Regis, Blach pitched at Creighton University and was drafted by San Francisco in the fifth round in 2012. He debuted for the Giants on Sept. 25, 2016, against the Rockies, coming out of the bullpen to pitch three scoreless innings. He was the Giants’ opening-day starter in 2018. He pitched in 47 games that season (13 starts), going 6-7 with a 4.62 ERA.
Then came the slide.
He pitched poorly and the Giants designated him for assignment during the 2019 season and he was picked up by Baltimore. He pitched to an 11.32 ERA in five starts for the Orioles down the stretch.
Blach’s left elbow soreness got progressively worse in 2020 and he missed the 60-game pandemic season when he underwent Tommy John surgery. He missed most of the 2021 season before rehabbing in the minors. While pitching for the Orioles’ Florida rookie league team, Blach showed some renewed promise. Across 22 innings, he compiled a 1.23 ERA with 22 strikeouts and just one walk.
But when Baltimore didn’t offer him another shot at the majors, Blach elected minor league free agency and signed with Colorado.
“Whether or not I make the team as a starter or a long reliever or I’m in Triple-A, it doesn’t matter,” Blach said midway through camp. “It’s nice to feel like I can build up, get some pitches under my belt, and execute against some high-level hitters. Then we’ll see what happens.”
