News and notes from the Rockies' heartbreaking loss to the Padres on Monday night, plus more.
Colorado Rockies' Michael Cuddyer slams into wall, exits with elbow injury | Rockies.com: News
The biggest news from last night's dumpster fire of a game was the injury to Michael Cuddyer, who had to exit the contest in the fifth inning after crashing into the wall while trying to catch what was eventually a triple off the bat of Alexi Amarista. Cuddy fortunately is day to day with a bruised right elbow and doesn't have any bone breaks or torn ligaments.
Dickerson recalled to provide depth on bench | Rockies.com: News
The Rockies returned to their six-outfielder set yesterday when Corey Dickerson was brought back up to replace Brett Anderson on the roster. That means the Rockies will return to seven relievers, with Franklin Morales officially headed back into the rotation.
Thomas Harding also writes within this piece about how Jorge De La Rosa's early problems could stem from increased strength. That's an interesting theory, and one that does make sense; I wrote in this spot a few days back about DLR's improved velocity, and that could be resulting in his fastball getting away from him a little bit.
Rockies have deep admiration for Robinson | Rockies.com: News
One more from Harding, who writes about some Rockies players' reactions to wearing Jackie Robinson's No. 42 against the Padres on Tuesday.
Colorado Rockies' "creative losses" are a troubling early trend
Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post ponders the toll that all of these gut-wrenching losses are taking on the Rockies. Rex Brothers, who has been on the losing end of each of the last two games, was reportedly "rattled" after last night's contest, in which he could not throw a strike to save his life. More on Brothers' struggles later.
Rockies' starting pitchers must do better no matter the circumstances - The Denver Post
Saunders also has a blurb on the Rockies' rotation, which, for as solid as guys like Jordan Lyles and Juan Nicasio have been considering their roles, continues to struggle to go deep into games. For that reason, I'm not sure taking the bullpen from eight guys to seven right now was the best idea, although in fairness to the decision makers, there aren't a lot of options for that eighth reliever at the moment.
Prospect Watch: Balog, Binford, and Bostick | FanGraphs Baseball
Nathaniel Stolz has a write-up on Rockies minor-league pitcher Alex Balog, who has regained his velocity after a horrible pro debut and now looks like a legitimate prospect again.
Around the league
Jedd Gyorko, Padres agree to 5-year extension - MLB Daily Dish
Gyorko, despite his early struggles this season, is an excellent young player that should be a boost for the Padres for years to come. No word on whether or not the team plans to go forward with a beef jerky stand at Petco Park called "The Gyork Store."
The 10 most valuable pitchers in baseball - SBNation.com
Grant Brisbee has a list of the most valuable hurlers in the game based on performance and contract (number of years of team control, etc.).