Rockies’ Rotation Dreams Dim as Bradley Blalock Struggles Against Padres
Bradley Blalock Returns to the Rockies with High Hopes
In the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball, every opportunity counts, especially when it comes to securing a spot in a team’s starting rotation. Bradley Blalock, a right-handed pitcher for the Colorado Rockies, returned to the club on Saturday, aiming to make a strong case for his future. He stepped in for Chase Dollander, who was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left patella tendon strain, sidelining him for the rest of the season.
However, Blalock’s performance against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park left much to be desired. In a lackluster outing, he managed to pitch only three innings, giving up five hits and five earned runs. He also issued two walks, failed to record a strikeout, and threw 69 pitches before being pulled from the game, ultimately taking the loss.
Blalock’s Recent Struggles Mount
This latest appearance was Blalock’s fourth start with the Rockies since early August, a stretch marked by inconsistency. After spending a month with Triple-A Albuquerque, he returned to the majors but has faced significant challenges on the mound. His previous starts have been anything but reassuring.
In an outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Blalock surrendered six hits and seven earned runs over 5.2 innings, walking four batters while striking out two. Despite the poor showing, he at least provided length in that game. Unfortunately, his subsequent performances only compounded his struggles.
Against the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 9, he allowed seven hits and five earned runs in 4.2 innings, walking three and giving up a home run. His next start, also versus Arizona on August 14, was similarly dismal, as he lasted just 3.2 innings, yielding six hits, seven earned runs, and four walks.
Taking a broader look at his last four starts, the statistics paint a grim picture: in 17 innings, Blalock has allowed 24 hits, 22 earned runs, eight home runs, and 13 walks, while striking out only six batters. His record now stands at 1-5 with a troubling 9.00 ERA in 12 appearances this season, ten of which were starts.
A Clouded Future for Blalock
Once a promising 32nd-round pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2019, Blalock now faces an offseason filled with uncertainty. Questions loom about his future with the Rockies and whether he can secure a place on the roster for the upcoming season.
The Rockies currently have a foundation to build upon for next year, led by starters Kyle Freeland and Tanner Gordon. Freeland, despite a challenging year (4-15, 4.97 ERA), remains under contract for $16 million through 2026. Gordon, on the other hand, boasts a 6-6 record with a 6.14 ERA and has several years of team control remaining, highlighted by a recent two-hitter against the Padres.
Adding to the mix is Chase Dollander, another former first-round pick who, although sidelined for the season, carries significant potential for the Rockies. After only 23 minor league starts earlier this year, Dollander has shown glimpses of star quality, and Colorado is committed to giving him the time to develop.
In this context, Blalock’s role becomes precarious. With limited opportunities to prove himself, he must now contend with the question of whether he has done enough to convince Rockies leadership that he deserves a shot at next season’s rotation. As the offseason approaches, the pressure mounts for Blalock to turn things around and secure his place within the organization.
