Chi Chi Gonzalez goes on COVID IL, misses…
Chi Chi Gonzalez goes on COVID IL, misses Rockies start
Colorado hopeful that C.J. Cron can avoid injured list
Chi Chi González #50 of the Colorado Rockies delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on June 10, 2021 in Miami, Florida.
By Patrick Saunders |
PUBLISHED: July 28, 2021 at 7:43 p.m. | UPDATED: July 28, 2021 at 10:59 p.m.
COVID-19 has left the Rockies' rotation in a state of flux.
Right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez, who was scheduled to start Wednesday night's game at the Anaheim Angels, was scratched when he was placed on the COVID-19 injured list. The right-hander didn't necessarily test positive for the virus, so it's unclear how long he'll be unavailable.
Rookie left-handed reliever Lucas Gilbreath started in Gonzalez's place in a "bullpen game." Gilbreath found out he was going to start Wednesday afternoon. He was expected to pitch two innings.
Right-hander Antonio Senzatela, who just come off the COVID IL, is scheduled to pitch four innings Saturday in an Arizona Complex League game. If that goes well, he could potentially be ready to make his next start with the Rockies.
The Rockies, however, could still have a hole in their rotation, depending on how long Gonzalez is out. Black said that having a day off Monday will help.
Cron update. First baseman C.J. Cron, who departed Tuesday night's game due to a strained right groin, was likely unavailable to play Wednesday. However, Rockies head trainer Keith Dugger is optimistic Cron can avoid a trip to the IL, Black said.
"We are crossing our fingers that it's a brief time away from action," Black said. "We are hoping it resolves itself to the point that he can be available to play or pinch-hit, whatever that might be.
"Keith wants to wait a day or two to see (what happens), so that's a good thing. A lot of times, Keith has a great feel for this, as far as what's an IL and what's not."
Cron injured his groin while running to first after a third-inning at-bat Tuesday night.
Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (1-5, 4.85 ERA) at Padres RHP Joe Musgrove (6-7, 3.13)
8:10 p.m. Thursday, Petco Park
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM
Freeland enters his 12th start of the season with losses in three consecutive outings. The 28-year-old southpaw was especially unlucky Saturday at the Dodgers. Freeland allowed one earned run over seven innings, but the Rockies mustered just two hits in a dismal 1-0 defeat. Freeland has shown resolve in coming back from a blister on the middle finger of his left hand that limited him to 64 pitches back on July 11. But it hasn't translated to victories. Freeland is 0-3 with a 5.10 ERA over six road starts this season. He is 3-4 lifetime against the Padres with a 4.17 ERA.
Trending: Entering Wednesday night, the Rockies had committed eight errors over their previous 28 games. That's tied with the Mariners for the second-fewest in the majors.
At issue: Colorado was 11-37 on the road this season before Wednesday night. Its .229 winning percentage away from Coors Field is the second-worst in baseball behind the Diamondbacks (.226).
Pitching probables
Friday: Rockies RHP Jon Gray (6-6, 3.67) at Padres LHP Ryan Weathers (4-2, 2.73), 8:10 p.m., ATTRMSaturday: Rockies RHP German Marquez (8-8, 3.54) at Padres RHP Yu Darvish (7-5, 3.27), 6:40 p.m., ATTRMSunday: Rockies LHP Austin Gomber (8-5, 3.69) at Padres RHP Chris Paddack (7-6, 5.13), 2:40 p.m., ATTRM
Patrick Saunders
CSU flat in road loss at Boise State
Northern Colorado men's basketball falls at Northern Arizona, tied for last in league