The Colorado Rockies are shaking things up this season, and it's all about their pitching strategy. While they didn't make a splash with offseason acquisitions, they've reimagined their starting rotation, potentially setting the stage for a strategic revolution.
Traditionally, the Rockies haven't been the quickest to adopt trends like "bullpenning" and "openers," but they're diving in now. Manager Warren Schaeffer confirmed, “One hundred percent,” when asked if relievers would be starting games this season. It's clear the Rockies are focusing on innovation to win games, with roles becoming more fluid.
So, who are the players stepping into these new roles? Schaeffer highlighted a few names: Agnos, who recently showed promise, Jimmy Herget, who enjoys the challenge, and Brennan Bernardino, known for his calm demeanor. These guys are leading the charge in this new approach.
As for the Opening Day starter, Kyle Freeland seems the likely choice given his tenure with the Rockies. However, newcomers like Michael Lorenzen, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Jose Quintana are also in the mix, each bringing solid, if not spectacular, resumes.
The real intrigue lies in the fifth spot of the rotation. Spring Training offered several possibilities, with Chase Dollander being the most exciting prospect.
Despite a tough debut in 2025, Dollander showed potential with his swing-and-miss ability. However, his spring performance has been shaky, with a 6.43 ERA over 14 innings, indicating he might need more time to develop.
Ryan Feltner, another option, has struggled with injuries and posted a 10.03 ERA in 11.2 innings this spring. Given these challenges, the Rockies might start the season without a traditional fifth starter, allowing Dollander and Feltner to refine their skills in Triple-A. This approach could also help mitigate the challenges of pitching at Coors Field.
Back in 2014, the Rockies didn't have the right personnel for this strategy, and that question remains today. Jimmy Herget, with his multi-inning experience, could be a key player if he can transition to starting games. Brennan Bernardino offers a lefty option, which is valuable against certain lineups.
Zach Agnos is another intriguing choice. After debuting last season and showing promise with a four-pitch mix and strike-throwing ability, he could fit well as an opener, despite a rocky end to his season.
The Rockies are likely to experiment with different combinations based on opponents. Don't be surprised if there's some guesswork involved in who starts every fifth day.
For a team that endured a 119-loss season, this experimentation with modern pitching strategies might just be the breakthrough they need. It's a bold move, but one that could redefine their approach and bring success back to Colorado.