Left-handed pitcher Lucas Gilbreath has been absent from play since 2022 due to Tommy John surgery. He had been progressing towards a potential return early in the season. Unfortunately, Gilbreath was placed on the 15-day injured list with an elbow injury on Mar. 28. Manager Bud Black reports that he’s making progress. The Rockies received another blow in February. Daniel Bard, a right-handed pitcher, would miss the entire season due to a freak injury requiring left knee surgery. Bard, who boasts a 21-16 record across 197 games with a 3.83 ERA, 223 strikeouts to 120 walks, and 61 saves over four years with the Rockies, is sorely missed this season.
The most recent collapse against Cincinnati marked left-handed pitcher Jalen Beeks fourth blown save of the season. He was charged with five earned runs, ballooning his ERA from 2.93 to 4.45. Beeks has grappled with command issues throughout the season, a major contributor to the bullpen’s struggles. Six Rockies’ relievers who have appeared in at least ten games average at least 4.45 BB/9.
Photo Cred: MLB
Last season’s standout relievers for the Rockies, Justin Lawrence and Jake Bird, have seen their command falter this year. Lawrence, who posted a 3.72 ERA with a 4.32 BB/9 across 69 games last season, has seen his ERA rise to 5.91 this season with a 6.33 BB/9 in 20 games, struggling notably in his role as closer with three blown saves. Bird, the Rockies’ most utilized reliever last season, delivered a solid performance in 2023. He pitched 70 games with a 3-3 record, a 4.33 ERA, and 77 strikeouts to 27 walks in 89.1 innings.
However, this season, Bird has struggled. He has a 6.10 ERA and 6.53 BB/9 in 19 games, up from a commendable 2.72 BB/9 last season. He’s also seeing a decline in strikeouts from 7.76 K/9 to 5.23 K/9. Both Lawrence and Bird are currently on the 15-day IL, with hopes that addressing their nagging arm injuries will lead to improved performances upon their return. The Rockies’ bullpen sports an unsightly 5.24 ERA, ranking 29th in walks allowed with 116 and 28th in strikeouts with 181.
This marks the third consecutive season where the Rockies’ bullpen ranks last in ERA. They seem poised to repeat this feat yet again this season. While there are glimmers of hope, such as young right-handed pitchers Nick Mears (1-3, 5.06 ERA) and Victor Vodnik (0-0, 2.65 ERA) leading in strikeouts for the bullpen with 34 and 27. The persistent issues with high walk rates and low strikeout rates suggest a long road ahead for the relief corps in the Mile High City.
