5 things the Colorado Rockies must do to contend again | Rox Pile
This is not the year for the Rockies to make it back to the playoffs. Some serious work needs to be done to get back on track this season and have a chance to top the West next year. The rotation is a hot button issue for the Rockies. They need to configure it so that it can work better than it did this year. Injuries have undoubtedly been an issue this year, but even when healthy, the pitchers haven’t done their best work. They’ve had some promising stuff from Chi Chi Gonzalez, Peter Lambert, Jeff Hoffman, and Antonio Senzatela, but the shift towards playoff contention will likely require some bigger offseason move.
The bullpen could also use some juggling, as things haven’t been going very well there, either. The Rockies need to work on their budget, primarily with Ian Desmond’s contract. Desmond has been a very expensive bench player lately, not contributing much to the team. They could also consider letting the young players get a chance. The rest of 2019 could be a good opportunity to let the veterans rest while seeing what the called-up players can do. Speaking of those young players, the Rockies need to make sure they have reliable depth. If there’s not currently enough, maybe look at signing some veterans to make sure the job can get done.
Rockies place Marquez, Tapia on 10-day IL | Mile High Sports
Raimel Tapia and German Marquez were placed on the 10-day IL. Tapia has a left hand contusion, and Marquez has some inflammation in his right arm. To fill in these holes, the Rockies are bringing up pitchers Phillip Diehl and Joe Harvey. It’s hard to see yet another Rockies pitcher injured, as the whole rotation has struggled this year. It’s also poor timing for Tapia, who’s been one of the team’s more consistent hitters. Garrett Hampson and Ian Desmond will likely fill in the outfield positions while Tapia’s out.
On the Farm
The Isotopes and the Aviators were pretty well matched late into the game. There were a number of Albuquerque players who had a multiple-hit game. Elliot Soto, Pat Valaika, Roberto Ramos, and Brian Mundell each had multiple hits, helping contribute to the impressive offensive performance. Nelson Gonzalez had a pretty good start, allowing four runs on six hits.
Triple-A: Albuquerque Isotopes 8, Las Vegas Aviators 7 | MiLB.com
Double-A: Hartford Yard Goats 5, Harrisburg Senators 1 | MiLB.com
High-A: Lake Elsinore Storm 7, Lancaster JetHawks 4 | MiLB.com
Low-A: Charleston RiverDogs 6, Asheville Tourists 2 | MiLB.com
Short-Season A: Tri City Dust Devils 5, Boise Hawks 4 | MiLB.com