Eddie Butler, Rockies pitcher, says he has made positive strides in 2015 — The Denver Post
This evening, Radford University product Eddie Butler will get the start for the Rockies on Radford University Day at Nationals Park. The hard-throwing right-hander has had a bumpy ride in the big leagues, but for Butler it’s all about keeping a level head. Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post spoke with the 24-year old, as well as manager Walt Weiss, on what he’s done to improve his game in his second season in the majors. Butler is learning to work pitches down and away to hitters more so than attacking inside, but has yet to master location. A few too many mistakes have left the young righty frustrated with himself -- and struggling to earn victories.
Butler is 3-8 on the year, having not won a game for the Rockies since the end of May. Perhaps the support of the Radford contingent for their former ace -- and plenty of family and friends cheering from the stands -- will fare well for the young pitcher’s growing pains.
Pitching trio Rockies received in Troy Tulowitzki trade show promise - The Denver Post
Right-handed pitchers Miguel Castro, Jeff Hoffman and Jesus Tinoco have each given the Rockies organization something to feel good about since coming over in the trade of Troy Tulowitzki. The Rockies landed two starters in Hoffman and Tinoco, and Castro as a bullpen arm.
Hoffman, the prospect jewel of the trade, had Tommy John surgery in May of last year and is still working his way back to full health. Hoffman was a first-round draft pick of the Blue Jays in 2014 despite his injury, and is currently pitching for the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats. Hoffman one-hit the Reading Fightin' Phils in his five innings of work with five strikeouts Friday.
Bettis’ rehab to continue with sim outing - Rockies.com
Walt Weiss had good news to share regarding right-hander Chad Bettis on Friday. Bettis is scheduled to throw three innings of simulated play on Tuesday in New Britain. If all goes well, he will see live-game action next Saturday for the Rock Cats before making an appearance with Triple-A Albuquerque en route to a return to the big club.
Rockies switch Butler, Flande in rotation - Rockies.com
An unexpected relief appearance in Wednesday’s game has caused the Rockies to push Yohan Flande’s scheduled start to Sunday and send Eddie Butler to the mound tonight against the Nationals. Jacob Emert of MLB.com has quotes from Weiss, who was confident Flande could have pitched on short rest. But with the off day Thursday, Weiss had the flexibility to pull Butler’s start up a day. Butler will be opposed by Stephen Strasburg, fresh off of a DL stint, while Flande will face Max Scherzer Sunday afternoon.
Far-flung families held together by messages, letters and love of baseball - The Denver Post
The final installment of Benjamin Hochman’s "Nine Innings" series shares the stories of several families, separated from one another but united by baseball. This collection of personal accounts -- including one of Hochman’s on he and his dad -- closes out a brilliant series, up to par with the previous eight.
Though it's sad to see him go, we wish Ben nothing but the best as he takes his talents back to his hometown as a sports columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.