Early indications from Freeland’s return are brighter under the surface | Mile High Sports
While it’s impossible to judge the rest of Kyle Freeland’s season one game after his return, we can get some indication of things to come. It wasn’t the best appearance he ever had, naturally, but he did pretty well over all. A lot of his pitches were hit, but they weren’t hit particularly well. None were hit faster than 95 MPH off the bat. He did allow four triples, breaking the record, but only one of those was hit near the middle of the zone. The others were in the corner or out of the strike zone entirely. Freeland also faced a three-hour delay due to weather, altering his return and preparation for the game. Fatigue was a factor, but Chris Iannetta had a good view from behind the plate. He liked what he saw, claiming that only a pitch or two weren’t quality pitches. Freeland does not have an easy path coming up, so hopefully he can reclaim that class Freeland control.
Bud Black’s plea to Rockies reliever Chad Bettis? Consistency, please. | Denver Post ($)
Chad Bettis has it in him to deliver the goods, but he lacks the consistency to get the job done day in and day out. Bud Black and the Rockies need someone whom they can rely on to get through the rough summer days. The goal is always to have a pitcher who you know can go out there and get outs, but that’s not terribly likely. There are going to be rough games, but the Rockies are hoping they can count on Bettis to succeed more often than not. In other Rockies news, Nolan Arenado and Charlie Blackmon will be back after getting the afternoon off. The two stars were granted a break after the late game Saturday since they weren’t able to get the four days off due to All-Star duties. Garrett Hampson got some playing time Sunday, and we might see Chi Chi Gonzalez get some time in the majors sometime soon.
Breaking down the Rockies’ revised pitching formula for second-half success | Denver Post ($)
The Rockies pitching hasn’t quite lived up to expectations in the 2019 season. The rotation has the worst ERA in the league at 5.57. If the Rockies want to have any chance at the playoffs, pitching needs to be adjusted. The plan is to have the starters make it farther into the games. The starters have just 28 quality starts, forcing the bullpen to do more work than they are really capable of. The relievers had a great beginning of the season, but they’ve been overworked and it’s started to show. The offense has showed up lately for the Rockies, which is fantastic, but unless the pitching can get it together, they won’t stand much of a chance.
On the Farm
Pat Valaika had a great game with the Isotopes Sunday, with five hits and six RBIs. Elliot Soto also put together some solid offense, with two runs on three hits. Pitcher Pat Dean dominated against the Chihuahuas, giving up only one run on six hits in his five innings.
Triple-A: Albuquerque Isotopes 12, El Paso Chihuahua 3 | MiLB.com
Double-A: Hartford Yard Goats 6, New Hampshire Fisher Cats 3 | MiLB.com
High-A: San Jose Giants 5, Lancaster JetHawks 3 | MiLB.com
Low-A: Asheville Tourists 4, Augusta GreenJackets 3 | MiLB.com
Short-Season A: Eugene Emeralds 6, Boise Hawks 0 | MiLB.com
Rookie: Billings Mustangs 6, Grand Junction Rockies 4 | MiLB.com