The Colorado Rockies broke the Cleveland Guardians’ nine-game win streak on Monday night. Last night, however, went differently. The Rockies tied the game up at seven runs apiece during the bottom of the sixth inning. Over the course of the next two innings, Colorado’s pitching staff gave up six runs, completely dismantling in a 13-7 defeat. This season, from the starters to the bullpen, the Rockies pitchers have severely struggled. Opening Day starter Kyle Freeland was recently moved to the 60-day IL since being injured as a pinch runner. As we head into June, the Rockies desperately need their pitching staff to have some stability. Still, there is a bit of good news for Colorado, as 2021 all-star pitcher Germán Márquez is looking to make his return to the team before the All-Star break. Márquez has been recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Germán Márquez may be over a month away from his return to the Rockies, but the vibes are good with him back in the clubhouse.
Here he is with Vinny Castilla having a laugh while repping teammate Ryan McMahon. pic.twitter.com/QwuU3yV6KB
— Patrick Lyons (@PatrickDLyons) May 28, 2024
2021 All-Star Germán Márquez Could Return to the Rockies Before The Break
After putting up a 2-2 record with a 4.95 ERA and 17 strikeouts, it was revealed on May 2nd of last year that Márquez would need Tommy John surgery, ending his season. Back in September, the 29-year-old starter signed a two-year extension with the Rockies. Before yesterday’s loss, Márquez threw his second bullpen session. It’s been reported he’s looking to return to the Rockies before the All-Star break. While he went 2-2 last season before the injury, during the 2022 regular season, the 2021 All-Star went 9-13 in 31 starts. The best win/loss record during the Rockies starter’s eight-year career was back in 2018. Through 33 starts, the 29-year-old Márquez put up a 14-11 record. In 196 innings pitched, he put up a 3.77 ERA with 230 strikeouts.
Can He Make an Impact After His Return?
It will be huge for the Rockies to have Márquez return to the active roster. However, it may take a few outings before we see the same Rockies starter from the past. If he can make an immediate impact during his return, Colorado may have the chance to finally get out of the last place spot in the National League West division. This team is currently six games behind the fourth-place Arizona Diamondbacks. Márquez could assert himself quickly once he returns, and help the Rockies catch up in the standings. With a young, promising offense, the Rockies could potentially start another winning streak with the assistance of Márquez’s great pitching. It may take some time to adjust to the major league level of play once again, but the 2021 All-Star is ready to guide Colorado to a few more wins.
Last season before he underwent Tommy John surgery, Márquez’s slider was deadly. He threw 75 sliders, and batters put up a measly .158 batting average against it while striking out nearly 32 percent of the time. The 2021 All-Star put away 35 percent of batters with his slider. His curveball was also extremely reliable. Batters put up a .168 batting average against 53 curveballs thrown. Márquez struck out about 32 percent of batters with that pitch. The Rockies’ eight-year starter should focus more on throwing those two pitches more often once he returns to the team, as his slider and curveball can put batters away in a hurry.
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