The Colorado Rockies announced this afternoon that right-handed reliever Carlos Estévez has been placed on the 10-day IL with a right middle finger strain. In a corresponding roster move, outfielder Sam Hilliard—who was optioned on to the alternate training site on April 29th—has been added back to the Major League roster.
Estévez struggled immensely during the 2020 season and in spring training, but had been starting to right the ship with continued work so far this season. He lowered his ERA to 3.60 through 10 games and 10 innings of work while recording one save and allowing just one home run. Ideally he will be able to continue his improvement after a short stint on the IL, especially after a hand injury derailed his 2020 campaign.
Hilliard was previously sent to the alternate training site (and eventually Albuquerque) for more regular plate appearances after slashing a woeful .108/.154/.324 with two home runs in 37 big league at-bats. He also had an unsightly 48.7 K%, the worst on the team.