Antonio Senzatela Has Encouraging Outing Out of Bullpen

Antonio Senzatela had the worst season of his career last year. Going 4-15 with a 6.65 ERA and two quality starts of 23 opportunities. It got so bad that Senzatela got moved to the bullpen for the first time since 2018. Despite the major struggles as a starter, the move to the bullpen turned out to be a solid move for Senzatela.

Quality Work in Relief

In 15 innings pitched covering five outings last September, Senzatela posted a 3.00 ERA with 10 Ks to just four BBs. Out of the five outings, three were scoreless, and one was just one run allowed over 4 2/3 IP. The only bad outing was when Senzatela allowed four earned runs over three innings in an 11-3 loss to the San Diego Padres. Senzatela was in the running for the fifth starter spot this spring. But remained in long relief alongside Chase Dollander to start this season.

If his first outing was any indication, that was the right choice. Senzatela made his season debut on Sunday, March 29, against the Miami Marlins. He shut down the Marlins for 2 2/3 innings, allowing just one hit with three Ks to one BB. He very well could have gone three innings if not for an awkward play that resulted in Otto Lopez reaching on an infield single.

Senzatela also consistently reached 97-98 mph on his four-seam fastball. Per Statcast, he averaged just 95 mph on his four-seam fastball last season. Senza, 31, has never been a strikeout pitcher. Averaging just a 5.8 K/9 over his nine-year career. But if he can manage to consistently reach that velocity this season, we could see the highest K/9 in Senzatela’s career to this point.

Bright Spot in Rough Opening Series for Bullpen

Despite Senzatela’s efforts in the series finale, the Rockies suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat to the Marlins. Owen Caissie hit a two-run home run to right field with two outs in the ninth inning off of closer Victor Vodnik. It was the second straight day Caissie hit the go-ahead RBI against the Rockies’ bullpen. On Saturday, Caissie hit a single to center off of Jaden Hill in the eighth inning to bring in Lopez on the way to a Marlins’ 4-3 win.

To be fair, the bullpen was spotless on Opening Day. Covering 3 2/3 scoreless innings as part of an effort to hold the Marlins to just two runs. Also, Jimmy Herget has continued his strong play from last season. In two outings against the Marlins, Herget allowed zero earned runs over two innings with three Ks to zero BBs. On paper, the Rockies’ bullpen this season had the potential to be one of the best bullpens in franchise history.

That is not exactly a high bar to clear. Considering the Rockies’ bullpen has routinely been one of the worst units in Major League Baseball. But it would still be important progress to make as the Rockies work to get back to respectability. Additionally, this opening series would feel a lot better for the Rockies’ bullpen if Vodnik had not blown a save in his first opportunity this season. The 26-year-old still has a bright, long year ahead of him, but this one stings coming off the worst season in franchise history as the Rockies fall to 0-3 for the first time since 1994. It doesn’t get any easier as the Rockies open a three-game road series with the 3-0 Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, March 29.

Offense Needs To Do Its Part

The pitching staff can’t take all the blame. Allowing only nine runs the whole series should not result in a sweep. A bases-clearing double from Jordan Beck in the first inning off of Max Meyer seemed to preview a big day for the Rockies. But the Rockies failed to scratch another run across the board as the difficulties of hitting with RISP once again reared its ugly head.

This is nothing new; the Rockies are 44-80 all-time against the Marlins on the road. Although they did sweep the Marlins last June (their only sweep of the season), they had gone 3-9 in the previous 12 road games vs the Marlins dating back to 2021. Nevertheless, the Rockies will have to improve offensively in Toronto or risk starting the season 0-6. Last year, in three games at Coors Field against the American League champions, the Rockies were swept in a three-game series. Getting outscored 45-6 over the three games.

The Rockies starting 1-0 seemed like an achievable goal, and the pitching staff gave the Rockies an opportunity. But now the Rockies are staring an 0-6 start right in the face before they even play their first game at home. But crazier things have happened, and the Rockies will look to get their first win of the season as massive underdogs tomorrow in Toronto.