On Thursday, the Colorado Rockies picked up their ninth win of the season with a 9-1 win over the San Francisco Giants. Colorado scored a season-high seven runs during the fourth inning to get a well-needed victory. Although the Rockies did not win this series against their divisional rival, this win was fully earned, as many of the younger guys contributed a ton to help the team record 14 hits.
With the success of some of the younger promising prospects on the team, this leaves a huge question this Colorado franchise must answer. Once some of their players return from the IL, will their younger prospects get demoted back to the minors? Rockies like Nolan Jones, Kris Bryant, and Kyle Freeland are steadily making progress from their respective injuries to return to the team. When these three injured Rockies return, can they adjust back and play better than they were before the injuries occurred?
Three Injured Rockies Making Progress Getting Back to Roster
Nolan Jones has been out since April 30th, as he’s been dealing with a lower back strain. Since last Saturday, the 26-year-old outfielder started some light throwing and running drills. Before Thursday’s game against the Giants, Jones did some light-throwing activities. In 26 games played, Jones has 94 at-bats, recording just 16 hits, one home run, and seven runs batted in with a .170 batting average. Many believed the Rockies outfielder would elevate his game this season. However, that hasn’t been the case. Hopefully, after he comes back from his back injury, Jones can make this season worthwhile.
Here’s a sight for sore eyes/backs.#Rockies Kris Bryant plays catch with Nolan Jones. pic.twitter.com/nng1UPbDZD
— Patrick Lyons (@PatrickDLyons) May 9, 2024
2016 National League MVP Kris Bryant has been working to overcome a problem with one of the discs in his lower back. The Rockies first baseman has been out of commission since April 13th. Before Wednesday’s game, the 32-year-old first baseman did some infield drills and hit in the batting cage. Wednesday marked his first participation in any baseball activities since his injury. There is a good chance Bryant will not be activated from the IL until late May. As manager Bud Black noted, the former MVP will most likely need a rehab assignment. Bryant recorded seven hits through 47 at-bats with one home run, six runs batted in, and a .149 batting average.
Kyle Freeland Progresses After His Injury
Colorado’s Opening Day starter Kyle Freeland has dealt with a roller coaster of a season through just the first few weeks. On Opening Day, he got lit up on the mound in an embarrassing 16-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Just a few weeks after, Freeland entered a game against the Philadelphia Phillies as a pinch runner. Due to Colorado’s depleted bench, Freeland came in and tried to help his team grab a win in Philly. The 30-year-old starting pitcher was injured at home plate after he collided with Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto, injuring his non-throwing shoulder.
Freeland played catch before Thursday’s matchup. This is the first baseball activity the left-hander has done since his injury on April 15th. In four starts, the 30-year-old starter has a 0-3 record. Freeland has a disastrous ERA of 13.21 with just nine strikeouts. When he comes back, he must turn things around from the first month of the regular season.
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