Buried beneath the Rockies’ woeful early-season record, injuries to starting pitchers and a hit-and-miss lineup, you’ll discover several relievers who have pitched remarkably well.
No way, you say. After all, when things go south for the Rockies, the bullpen often leads the way.
Plus, you point out that the Rockies’ bullpen has a 4.40 ERA, the eighth-highest in the majors. Its 1.41 WHIP is the seventh-highest and its .250 average against is also the seventh-highest.
But here’s the thing: If you throw out left-hander Ty Blach’s 8.18 ERA and right-hander Dinelson Lamet’s 12.66 ERA, most of the rest of the ‘pen has been rather salty.
Mercifully, the Rockies designated Blach for assignment. I thought they might do the same with Lamet, but because he can throw a 95-97 mph fastball, he’s still around, albeit he’s now on the 15-day injured list with a convenient case of lower-back stiffness.
In mid-April, as Daniel Bard rejoined the bullpen after dealing with his anxiety issues, side-arm right-hander Justin Lawrence made a bold statement.
“Getting Daniel back is huge,” he said. “You have seen the way our bullpen has the opportunity to perform and the veteran presence we have in that mix. I’d put that bullpen up against any in the big leagues.”
When I heard those words, I wanted to roll my eyes. But then I took a closer look.
Lawrence, whose sweeper has become a devastating pitch, owned a 1.56 ERA and 0.92 WHIP entering Saturday’s game vs. the Mets. He’s struck out 18 and walked just seven.
More remarkable has been veteran left-hander Brent Suter. Through 13 games, his 0.89 ERA is the eighth-lowest in franchise history for a reliever beginning his Rockies career. If fact, it’s the lowest since Adam Ottavino’s 0.69 ERA in 2012.
Right-hander Jake Bird has become the workhorse every bullpen needs. He ranks second in the majors with 22 innings of relief and is tied for sixth among relievers with 22 strikeouts. Bird’s 3.27 ERA is solid and he’s been excellent of late, posting a 0.55 ERA and 18 strikeouts vs. just four walks over his past 10 games.
Veteran lefty Brad Hand, a three-time All-Star, has been nicked a few times, but his 3.86 ERA is solid and he’s delivered 17 strikeouts and walked only six.
Bard, last season’s closer, is being eased back into action by manager Bud Black. Though Bard’s fastball has lost some zip — 94.6 mph, down from 97.9 mph last season — he has yet to allow a run in five appearances.
Right-hander Pierce Johnson, the unofficial closer, has four saves in four chances, but he’s starting to show a few chinks in his armor, as evidenced by his 5.11 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and .280 average against.
How long will the bullpen excellence last? History tells us that as the temperatures rise at Coors Field and as the innings pile up, relievers’ ERAs will begin to soar. But, right now, the bullpen deserves some cheers.
And there is one more thing to consider. The Rockies just might have some trading chips available at the deadline. Lefty relievers are always coveted by contenders, and Suter will be a free agent at the end of the season. Teams will call. The Rockies hold a $7 million option on Hand for next season but he might be made available, too. Will the Rockies consider moving either of them if the right deal comes along?
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