The lefty is back.
The Rockies announced today that they have reinstated LHP Austin Gomber (left forearm tightness) from the 10-day injured list and have optioned RHP Antonio Santos to Triple-A.
— Rockies Club Information (@RockiesClubInfo) July 21, 2021
Austin Gomber will start tonight against the Seattle Mariners after a 31-day stint on the injured list. He was pulled from his last big league start on June 19 after two innings due to forearm tightness, and underwent an MRI the following day that left Bud Black “optimistic.” Starter Antonio Senzatela and long reliever Jhoulys Chacín have been inactive since last Friday due to COVID-19 protocols, so Gomber’s return is timely for a Rockies pitching staff that has been suddenly depleted in the second half.
Gomber made a rehab start on July 16 with Triple-A Albuquerque: he allowed three earned runs on five hits. After throwing 62 pitches, Gomber remains on a five-day rotation for tonight. The lefty will make his return against a Mariners lineup that is far more favorable than the Dodgers he would otherwise see this weekend. He will anticipate the Angels and Padres in his next two starts if his return goes to plan.
Right-hander Antonio Santos was called up last Friday while the Rockies were down three pitchers due to COVID-19 contact tracing. Santos made one appearance for the Rockies in his five-day big league stint, tossing two scoreless frames against the Dodgers and collecting three strikeouts.
The club has the freedom to option Santos up and down from Triple-A; such is not the case for 33-year-old Zac Rosscup, as he remains in the big leagues after his call-up on the same day.