SAN DIEGO — Rockies’ right-hander Tyler Kinley, who’s been one of the major’s best relievers this season, is going on the injured list with a right elbow injury.
It’s a huge blow for the Rockies. Kinley, along with right-hander Alex Colome, had emerged as a dependable set-up man for closer Daniel Bard.
Kinley’s 0.75 ERA is the sixth-lowest in the majors and the third-lowest in the National League. Kinley’s ERA is also the third-lowest through a Colorado reliever’s first 25 games of the
season in franchise history, and the lowest ever by a right-handed reliever. His ERA is the lowest since left-hander Rex Brothers began his 2013 season with one run allowed through his first 25 appearances for a 0.39 ERA.
The Rockies announced the move before Sunday’s game against the Padres.
The club said Kinley is going on the 15-day IL with “a right elbow ulnar nerve injury.” The move is retroactive to Thursday.
To bolster the bullpen, the Rockies recalled right-handed pitcher Chad Smith from Triple-A Albuquerque.
This story will be updated.
