Note: CU Independent Rockies Beat Writer Justin Guerriero is covering the team live during Spring Training play in Scottsdale, AZ from March 23-29.
The Rockies cut ties with starting pitcher Jhoulys Chacin (Yo-LEASE sha-SEEN) on Saturday. The 27 year-old had a horrid 2014 campaign, where he finished with a 1-7 record and a 5.40 ERA. His struggles continued this Spring Training, as he had a 6.52 ERA through four games pitched at the time of his departure.
“It was a tough day on Saturday,” Rockies Manager Walt Weiss said. “Jhoulys has been a warrior for us. He’s a tremendous competitor.”
Chacin was thought by many to be a lock for the Rockies’ starting rotation this season, despite a bad 2014. With his departure, there is now a hole to fill.
“There’s a handful of guys who will be competing for the rotation” Weiss said.
This handful contains 23 year old righty Jon Gray, 24 year old Eddie Butler, and Christian Bergman. All pitch with the right hand, and all have slim Major League experience.
Weiss initially hinted that Gray could be in the mix for a spot in the rotation. Gray was chosen third overall by the Rockies in the 2013 MLB Draft. Last season he was assigned to the Minor Leagues, where he posted a 3.91 ERA and a 10-5 record in 24 games started for Tulsa Drillers, a team in the Class AA Texas League.
He’s played well this Spring Training, posting a 3.00 ERA in four games played, so far. Despite inexperience at the Major League level, Weiss stated that he will continue to make assessments of Gray in the following weeks to determine what his role will be at the beginning of the season.
Weiss also stressed the importance of players maturing.
“We’re seeing maturity levels starting to line up with their talent levels, and that’s what you hope for with young players,” he said.
Another young gun competing for a spot in the starting rotation is 24 year-old Eddie Butler. The 6’2”, 180 pound pitcher has also shown some promise this Spring Training, posting a 3.12 ERA in three games played. His minimal Major League experience came last season, where he played in three games, going 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA.
One final guy to keep an eye on is the right hander Christian Bergman. He started ten games for the Rockies last season and was 3-5 with a 5.93 ERA. However, he has shown signs of improvement this Spring. He holds a 3.52 ERA in three games played so far.
Regardless of who eventually wins the rotation spot, a cloud of uncertainty lingers over all three candidates. None of them have proven themselves at the Major League level.
“To sit here and be honest with you, [releasing Chacin] is a risk,” Weiss said. “We’ve cut ties with a Major League pitcher. There’s risk in that. We know that and we’re willing to make the move because we feel like there’s talent that is on the brink that can be impactful.”
Contact CU Independent Rockies Beat Writer Justin Guerriero at justin.guerriero@colorado.edu and follow him on Twitter @TheHungry_Hippo.
