Colorado Rockies reliever Tyler Kinley is enjoying new success. After years of bouncing around the league and inconsistency, he seems to have found his control. Off-season and Spring Training 2022 adjustments to his form seem to be the key.
Before Arriving in Colorado
Kinley was drafted by the Miami Marlins back in 2013 but was never considered a top pitching prospect. He battled injuries throughout his minor league career and after the 2017 season, the Marlins decided to leave him unprotected. The Minnesota Twins selected him in the Rule 5 draft. He made his debut with the Twins but then was sent back to the Marlins. Kinley was roughed up hard while pitching for both teams. He tossed 11 innings and gave up 15 runs. He finished with a 12.27 ERA.
In 2019, he pitched in 52 games for the Marlins. He had one save and a 3.65 ERA. He gave up 36 walks in 49 1/3 innings. In December 2019, he was claimed off waivers by the Rockies.
Holding Him Back
There was always one problem that was holding Kinley back, his control. He gave up too many walks, which contributed to his high number of pitches and his high ERA. During the off-season in 2020, he worked on his approach and his overall attitude toward pitching. There were some positive changes as he pitched in 24 games in 2020. Although his 5.32 ERA was still high, he did show his slider was successful in several situations.
Multiple Games in 2021
Last season, Kinley was the Rockies’ go-to bullpen pitcher. He appeared in 70 games, pitching 70 1/3 innings. He struck out 68 batters and finished up seven games while facing 295 batters. While his ERA was high, 4.73, he finished the 2021 season by not being scored upon in 21 of his final 25 outings. His ERA during that stretch was 2.13. It appears he turned the corner on being a quality bullpen arm. Those successful 25 appearances most likely saved him from being released.
2022 Statistics to Date
Colorado Rockies reliever Tyler Kinley is enjoying new success. Currently (through Wednesday’s games), Kinley has appeared in a team-leading 21 games, has pitched 20 innings with a 0.90 ERA—and, has walked only five. He also has nine holds. He has faced 83 hitters and they have just a .208 batting average against him. As noted, one of his strengths is his slider. With that pitch, he has the ability to attack hitters from both sides of the plate.
Reliable Reliever So Far
Colorado Rockies reliever Tyler Kinley is enjoying new success being the team’s most reliable reliever to this point in 2022. Thus far, Kinley’s results have gained the trust of Manager Bud Black, who can use Kinley in multiple games without any rest in between. He certainly has put together the best stretch of appearances in his career so far.
Kinley is pitching well right now and feeling good. He looks to continue being the go-to pitcher out of the bullpen, ready to come into the game in high-leverage situations. If he continues doing as well—or better—as he is, he could look to challenge the team record of appearances held by Matt Belisle, when he pitched in 80 games back in 2012.
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