Former Colorado Rockies pitcher Chad Bettis has decided to step away from baseball. Bettis has an incredible comeback story surviving cancer but has chosen to retire at this time. COVID-19 might have played a role as his health could be at risk during the current pandemic. Bettis had been with the New York Yankees on a non-roster invite to Spring Training. Colorado posted a message of appreciation late Thursday night.
Determination. Inspiration. Class.
Enjoy the next chapter, @cbettis35. Thank you for everything! pic.twitter.com/K2z2nJCsM5
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) June 26, 2020
Colorado Rockies Chad Bettis Retires
Bettis did not have a good 2019 season. The then-30-year-old posted a 6.08 ERA with 42 strikeouts and 42 walks in just 63 2/3 innings. The more advanced FIP metric was kinder with a mark of 5.16 but it wasn’t especially good either for someone who pitched as both a starter and reliever. Very little went right for Colorado pitchers in 2019 so Bettis was not alone in his struggles.
The Houston Astros originally drafted Bettis out of high school in the eighth round of the 2007 Amateur Draft, but he decided to attend Texas Tech instead. The Rockies then selected him in the second round of the 2010 Draft. His best season came in 2015 when he pitched in 115 innings with a 4.23 ERA and 98 strikeouts to 42 walks. He was worth a career-best 2.4 WAR that season. Bettis ends his career with 600 2/3 innings to his credit with a 5.12 ERA and 431 strikeouts. It’s not the career he nor the Rockies would have wanted for a second-round pick but it’s worthy of praise considering he beat cancer to finish it out.
What This Means for the Future
The Rockies 40-man roster still only only has 39 players on it. They will likely add someone either from the free-agent pool or the minor leagues when they are able. Yasiel Puig is available and could add some pop either in the outfield or as a designated hitter. The DH is in effect for this season after the league announced a return to action. A third catcher is also highly probable in the form of either Drew Butera or Elias Diaz.
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