Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
What is wrong with Colorado Rockies
’ starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa?
He’s been solid on the season for the Rockies — most certainly as dependable as any starting pitcher in the Rockies rotation. Prior to the recent road trip, De La Rosa was sporting an ERA just past three for Colorado and he has made a habit of playing through at least the sixth inning for the Rocks.
Things have been different on the road, however.
In his last outing versus the Atlanta Braves, De La Rosa lasted just five innings surrendering eight runs (five earned) on 10 hits. It was most certainly not a traditional De La Rosa outing, but every athlete has a down day here and there, so it was easy to simply chalk that game up as an outlier.
Then came Saturday night in which De La Rosa didn’t even see the fifth inning for Colorado, surrendering three runs on six hits versus the Pittsburg Pirates. One rough outing can be simple coincidence – a second is a trend, a habit or maybe something more.
De La Rosa has been battling a left thumb injury since last month, but has yet to miss any time for the injury. One has to wonder if the injury isn’t becoming an issue with the lefty.
Obviously, time off for De La Rosa isn’t something the Rockies or their fans would like to see. That said, if the injury is an issue that is beginning to impact his game, maybe it is time for Colorado to take a look at what precautions can be put in place to help De La Rosa.
In a season that seems to be coming unwound for the Rockies, maybe the welfare of the future is a more pressing priority than the welfare of now, especially considering how far the Rocks have slipped in the NL West.
The standings aren’t the only motivator. Colorado picked up the option on De La Rosa for an additional year to the tune of $11 million – which to me sounds like eleven million reasons to look out for the ace.
In 2013, De La Rosa has been a bright spot for the Rockies after battling through the hardships brought on as a result of Tommy John surgery. Obviously Colorado is better with him in the rotation, or at least they certainly were when he was healthy.
If the lingering injury is the culprit of De La Rosa’s back-to-back rough outings, maybe it is time for the Rockies to re-evaluate the situation. Toughness is certainly admirable, but he’s helping neither the Rockies nor himself fighting through this.
Jim Heath is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_heath, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
