Colorado Rockies: That Kyle Freeland guy is a legit Cy Young contender | Rox Pile
Kyle Freeland has been a bit of a favorite in Denver since he started playing with the Rockies. The hometown boy has been proving himself time and again, giving us something to be proud of. As someone who doesn’t get much national media attention, he is not likely to be truly considered for the Cy Young award, but he is definitely pitching in a way that is worthy of a second look. He has just about mastered Coors Field, which is no easy feat. While people have some beef with any advantage that Rockies’ hitters get from playing at altitude, it only seems fair that our pitchers get some praise for doing the same. Freeland’s putting up some fantastic numbers, going 10-3 since the month of May, with a 2.39 ERA. He’s having an excellent season, and he is solidifying himself in the Rockies lineup.
Rox roll during record stretch vs. winning clubs | Rockies.com
The Rockies are doing something pretty great right now. After the All-Star break, they were looking at a tough stretch of playing teams with a .500 or better record. This has ended up tying the most difficult NL schedule with the 1926 Phillies and the 2012 Braves. The Rockies have done much better than either of those teams, with a 30-16 record. There have been some really tough matchups, but the Rockies have proven that they can contend. Charlie Blackmon and Bud Black commented on this impressive feat, proud of what they’ve accomplished. Some speculate that this has been a fluke, but stretched over 46 games, and looking at the way they’ve played, this term can hardly apply. After Sunday’s win, the Rockies are only a half-game behind the Diamondbacks, and they’ll have to continue to play their game the way they have been to find their way to the top of the division.
Mike Dunn is getting ready to make his return from the 60-day DL due to an AC inflammation. This one marks his third trip to the DL this season, but he’s thrown a simulated game. He’s had some soreness from lack of playing, but he’s feeling no pain from his injury. He’s likely to have a long rehab assignment after being out for so long, but the Rockies are expecting to see him back in early September.