The Colorado Rockies demoted right-handed reliever John Curtiss to Triple-A Albuquerque after he went unclaimed on waivers. At this point in his career, he has the right to become a free agent. However, if Curtiss accepts the assignment to the minor leagues, the Rockies can remove him from the 40-man roster.
Rockies Outright John Curtiss https://t.co/DQkueg0SXd
— Tim Dierkes (@mlbtrrockies) August 13, 2024
Rockies Demote Reliever John Curtiss to Triple-A
A Bumpy Road
Curtiss signed a minor league deal with Colorado in the offseason and made the Rockies roster in May. He refused to accept the assignment when the big club decided to designate him for assignment. Soon after this, Curtiss signed two minor league deals. He decided to opt out of one contract, and was selected to the Rockies’ roster in July with the other.
In his brief appearances with Colorado, the right-hander has given up four runs in just 2 2/3 innings. During his minor-league stints, Curtiss has fared much better. He has pitched 38 innings with a respectable 4.03 earned run average. Why Curtiss’s solid outings in the minors haven’t translated in the majors, remains a mystery of sorts.
Travelin’ Man
The right-handed reliever has been with seven major league organizations since 2017. He was originally drafted by the Colorado Rockies out of high school in 2011 but elected to go to college. Curtiss was drafted again by the Minnesota Twins in 2014. After two years in the Minnesota organization, He has spent time with the Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, and New York Mets, before being reunited with Colorado.
Under the Knife
Curtiss has accumulated 108 2/3 innings in the majors as well as a fairly solid 4.o6 ERA. Between 2020-21, he had a sparkling 2.86 ERA and was walking less than 8% of batters. The Brewers acquired him at 2021 Trade Deadline. Curtiss only pitched four innings before undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery, and he has yet to regain form.
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