Rockies on the Brink as Starting Rotation Faces Unwanted Record
The Colorado Rockies find themselves on the precipice of a dubious distinction, one that has loomed over them like dark clouds on a stormy day. As the team struggles through a dismal season, their starting rotation is poised to challenge a modern-era MLB record that has stood for nearly three decades, a record currently held by the Chicago White Sox.
A Season to Forget
With a record of 40-105, the Rockies are just one game away from tying the infamous 1996 Chicago White Sox for the worst record in baseball history. However, the Rockies face another grim possibility: their starting rotation’s earned run average (ERA) is on track to set a new low for the modern era. As the team prepared for Wednesday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kyle Freeland was set to take the mound, fresh off one of his best outings of the season.
Freeland entered the game with a 5.10 ERA, but he is not alone in facing scrutiny; the entire Rockies rotation has struggled significantly throughout the season. According to reports, the team’s ERA for starting pitchers stood at a staggering 6.67 before the game, a number that could solidify their place in the record books for all the wrong reasons.
A Record in Sight
If the season had ended on that day, the Rockies would have established the worst ERA for a starting rotation in the modern era, surpassing the 1996 Detroit Tigers, who finished with a 6.64 ERA. That Tigers team, managed by Buddy Bell, ended the season with a grim 53-109 record. They relied on a rotation that included pitchers like Felipe Lira and Omar Olivares, a far cry from the struggles currently facing the Rockies.
This year, the Rockies have cycled through a mix of starters, including Freeland, Antonio Senzatela, and German Marquez, among others. With six different pitchers having started games this season, including rookie McCade Brown, the team is searching for stability in a tumultuous campaign.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the overwhelming odds, there is a flicker of hope for the Rockies. Following Tuesday’s game, the starting rotation’s ERA dipped slightly to 6.66, offering a small reprieve from the impending record. Freeland’s recent performance against the San Diego Padres serves as a potential turning point. He pitched a remarkable eight-inning game, leading the Rockies to a 3-0 victory and providing much-needed relief to a beleaguered bullpen.
This stellar outing came just days after Freeland was involved in a benches-clearing brawl against the San Francisco Giants, showcasing his resilience and ability to bounce back under pressure. In that game, he struck out ten batters while only allowing two hits, a performance that could serve as a catalyst for improvement in the Rockies’ rotation.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Freeland and his fellow pitchers. The Rockies are not only fighting to avoid a record-setting ERA but also to reclaim their pride in a season that has tested their mettle. The road ahead is daunting, but with determination and skill, they may yet steer clear of an unwanted place in the history books.
