During Monday night’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Colorado Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland found himself in a precarious situation. As he was used as a pinch runner in the ninth inning, Freeland appeared to injure his right, non-throwing shoulder. This raised concerns among fans and team staff alike, considering Freeland’s importance as the team’s Opening Day starter.
Despite the initial worry surrounding Freeland’s injury, Rockies manager Bud Black reassured everyone that the pitcher was alright. Black confirmed that Freeland was OK after the incident, providing some relief to those following the game closely. However, the sight of Freeland clutching his right shoulder and walking off with a trainer was still alarming.
The play itself was not without controversy. As Freeland attempted to score after a wild pitch by Jeff Hoffman, he was tagged out at home by catcher J.T. Realmuto. Not only was the out call by home-plate umpire D.J. Rayburn under scrutiny, but also Hoffman’s block of the plate with his foot during the play. Black mentioned that it was a close call and a convergence of two players trying to make a play.
In a game that ultimately ended in a 2-1 loss for the Rockies, Freeland’s injury added to the team’s woes. With key players like Kris Bryant and Brendan Rodgers already sidelined due to various reasons, Colorado was at a disadvantage. Despite their efforts to secure a win, the Rockies fell short in extra innings, with Cristian Pache delivering a walk-off single for the Phillies.
On top of the injury scare, Freeland’s performance on the mound this season has been less than stellar. With a record of 0-3 and an ERA of 13.21, Freeland has faced significant challenges. Additionally, his absence from the mound in the upcoming series further highlights his struggles. The fact that he was unavailable for comment after the game suggests that the injury may require further evaluation and treatment.
Kyle Freeland’s injury during the pinch running play has raised concerns about his well-being and the impact on the Rockies’ pitching rotation. Despite Manager Black’s assurance of Freeland’s condition, the incident serves as a reminder of the physical risks involved in baseball. As Freeland continues to recover and work towards getting back on track, the Rockies will have to adapt and overcome adversity in his absence.