Rockies Lose Closer Victor Vodnik to Elbow Injury

Isaiah J&period; Downing-Imagn Images

Rockies Lose Closer Victor Vodnik to Elbow Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Sakuraba | Last updated May 20, 2026 5:47 PM ET

Just days after losing their top young starting pitcher, the Colorado Rockies will now be without their closer, who was added to the 15-Day IL with an ominous injury.

Ahead of Wednesday's game against the Texas Rangers at Coors Field, the Rockies added closer Victor Vodnik to the injured list with a right elbow injury. The team described the injury as inflammation in the right ulnar nerve, more commonly known as the funny bone. But losing Vodnik is no laughing matter for the Rockies, as he has been one of the de facto closers out of the bullpen in tight games. Vodnik joins recently injured starter Chase Dollander, as well as relievers Jimmy Herget and Ryan Feltner, on the IL.

The Rockies have not deployed any clear roles or structure for their bullpen, but Vodnik has been one of their top options in high-leverage situations. He was second on the team in saves in 2025 with 10, and leads the team so far in 2026 with four. Through 18 appearances this season, Vodnik has posted a 1-2 record, with an 8.00 ERA and 2.11 WHIP. Control has been an issue for Vodnik, who has allowed 25 hits and 13 walks in 18.0 innings of work.

The Colorado Rockies announced today the following transactions:
- Selected the contract of RHP Keegan Thompson (#34) from Triple-A.
- Placed RHP Victor Vodnik on the 15-day IL (right ulnar nerve inflammation).
- Designated INF Blaine Crim for assignment.
— Rockies Club Information (@RockiesClubInfo) May 20, 2026

Vodnik has struggled in recent weeks, which has led to his bloated ERA and WHIP. In retrospect, Vodnik's struggles could have been early signs of his elbow injury coming to light. In his last appearance on Monday against the Rangers, Vodnik allowed a single and two walks with just 14 pitches in the eighth inning before he was replaced by Brennan Bernardino.

The Rockies do not have many options to turn to, although the lay-up to close games now would be veteran Antonio Senzatela. The 31-year-old has been revitalized in a bullpen role this year, and has a 1.27 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and three saves in 13 appearances. Senzatela has been discussed as a trade candidate later this season, and working as a closer could boost his stock ahead of the MLB trade deadline in August.

In a corresponding move, the Rockies promoted Keegan Thompson from Triple-A Albuquerque. This will be his first MLB action since pitching for the Chicago Cubs in 2024. Thompson has started his last three games at Triple-A, and could be in line to take Chase Dollander's spot in the rotation.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: