Rockies star gets pivotal injury update

Other Rockies injury updates

One of the most important players for the Rockies this season has been pitcher Austin Gomber. Gomber has been lights out on the mound this season for the Rockies. He has a 2.76 ERA so far on the year and his ERA in May was .68. His last start was pushed back as Colorado is trying to keep him healthy as he dealt with a sore left elbow, but he will be starting on Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“Gomber, who was scratched from his scheduled start on Monday, posted a 0.68 ERA in May and has a 2.76 ERA overall,” The injury report said. “He is one of six pitchers in Rockies history to have a sub-3.00 ERA after 10 starts. So to keep him healthy, the Rockies pushed him back a few days when he emerged from his last start on May 22 with soreness at the back of his left elbow. Manager Bud Black announced Gomber’s next starting assignment on Wednesday. Gomber pointed out that he has experienced the issue before, but he has been able to make his following start because the team was on the road, where recovery is easier than at Denver’s altitude. In his last start, Gomber held the Athletics to one run in eight innings. The way Gomber navigated that game is instructive. He relied more on his curveball than he does at Coors, and the lefty is having his best season in terms of adjusting quickly to how his pitches are behaving in a given outing — a requirement for a Rockies pitcher who is bouncing between a unique home atmosphere and the road.”

One of the Rockies’ top prospects, outfielder Jordan Beck, is also dealing with an injury. He has a broken left hand, but he should be able to return to the field soon. He is expected back in June or July.

“Beck was called up on April 30 for his Major League debut, and he was going through the ups and downs of being a rookie before sustaining a broken left hand while making a diving catch on May 25.,” The injury report said. “Dr. Donald Sheridan performed surgery on May 29 to insert a plate in the hand to aid in healing. Manager Bud Black gave a timeline of 4-6 weeks.”

Pitchers Justin Lawrence and Jake Bird should be returning soon as well. Lawrence is dealing with a right shoulder strain and Bird has some right elbow inflammation. Both are expected to be back this month.

“Lawrence has pitched 21 1/3 innings with 20 strikeouts but 15 walks,” The injury report stated. “He began the year as the nominal closer, but struggled in some game-turning situations. After resting his arm, Lawrence will work with coaches to correct mechanical issues that are preventing him from landing pitches in proper locations. Bird (1-1, 6.10 ERA in 19 appearances) struggled mightily with command — 15 walks, including five to first batters. Bird has been rehabbing at the team’s complex in Scottsdale, Ariz., and is expected to return to the mound soon. Last season, Bird, 28, led the Rockies with 70 appearances and was one of the team’s most trusted and consistent relievers.”

These are all the guys that the Rockies should get back this month. We’ll see if this added depth can help them make some progress in the NL West standings.