Because the Rockies trudge by means of one other tough yr, there isn’t but any indication over whether or not or not supervisor Bud Black could possibly be returning for his ninth season. GM Invoice Schmidt advised the Denver Publish’s Patrick Saunders that the workforce and Black will “discuss on the finish of the season” and that “there’s nothing extra to report on that” in the interim. It isn’t precisely a vote of confidence for Black, who’s on tempo for his sixth straight dropping season and his second straight yr of at the very least 100 losses.
Whereas Black’s contract is technically up after the season, his deal has been described up to now (by reporter Nick Groke) as “a rolling year-to-year contract.” In each February 2022 and 2023, the Rox introduced a brand new one-year extension to Black’s deal, but no such extension was introduced this previous spring regardless that the 2 sides had some talks about Black’s future. It could possibly be that proprietor Dick Monfort’s well-known penchant for loyalty to his staff was operating a bit of skinny coming off a 103-loss season, or maybe Black himself is likely to be contemplating a distinct position at age 67. Saunders writes that Black “loves instructing younger gamers and taking part within the Rockies’ makes an attempt to enhance,” however has additionally “remained mum about” the potential for returning as Colorado’s skipper.
Extra from across the NL West…
- The Dodgers’ record of forthcoming reinforcements off the injured record consists of Blake Treinen, as supervisor Dave Roberts advised The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya (hyperlinks to X) and different reporters that Treinen is anticipated to be activated on Tuesday. This implies Treinen will miss simply the minimal 15 days after some left hip discomfort despatched him to the IL again on August 5. Shoulder accidents restricted Treinen to 5 innings in 2022 and he didn’t pitch in any respect in 2023, and regardless of this minor hip situation and a bruised lung/rib fractures suffered throughout Spring Coaching, he has nonetheless posted a 2.67 ERA in 30 1/3 innings for Los Angeles this yr. In additional optimistic information concerning the reduction corps, Roberts mentioned Brusdar Graterol will quickly throw a bullpen session, as Graterol is making a faster restoration than anticipated from a hamstring pressure. There was some concern that Graterol’s season may’ve been in jeopardy when he was placed on the 15-day IL again on August 7, but it surely appears like he’ll be capable of return and attempt to salvage one thing from what has to this point been a misplaced yr. Shoulder irritation prevented Graterol from making his season debut till August 6, and he confronted simply three batters (recording one out) earlier than hurting his hamstring.
- Giants reliever Randy Rodriguez was positioned on the 15-day injured record earlier this week because of proper elbow irritation, and supervisor Bob Melvin advised reporters (together with Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle) immediately that checks didn’t reveal any structural injury. Rodriguez will nonetheless be shut down for a few weeks earlier than being re-evaluated, so his absence ought to prolong properly past the 15-day minimal. The hard-throwing Rodriguez has made a strong accounting of himself in his rookie season, posting a 3.93 ERA, 24.6% strikeout fee, and seven.6% stroll fee over 50 1/3 innings.
- Circling again to the Rockies for one ultimate notice, Colorado activated Nolan Jones from the 10-day injured record immediately, and optioned catcher Hunter Goodman to Triple-A. After a seeming breakout yr in 2023, Jones has hit solely .202/.311/.313 in 191 PA this season, whereas enjoying in simply 49 video games because of two prolonged IL stints associated to decrease again ache. Jones additionally had additional considerations off the sphere, as he advised Patrick Saunders that his new child daughter had some respiration issues however is now fortunately doing higher.
