Colorado Rockies news and links for Thursday, July 31st, 2025
Back in February, my homie Joelle wrote about the difficulties that come with finding a true ace on the Colorado Rockies roster. She laid things out expertly (as usual), and thusly came to the conclusion that, at that time, they simply did not have a pitcher who could claim such a title.
That’s a real shame.
While I don’t disagree that Colorado’s pitching staff has certainly seen better days, they’re still trotting out there and grinding out starts. I don’t know that there’s a Rockies pitcher that could be considered a Paul Skenes- or Tarik Skubal-like ace in the macro, MLB-wide sense, but is there anyone that acts as the ace of the Rockies? That’s what I’m considering today.
The easiest answer is likely Kyle Freeland.
He sored to heights rarely seen by Rockies hurlers back in 2018, but has since been wildly inconsistent and, at times, emotionally charged. The native Coloradan has seen similar results this year — sometimes, he appears to have regained his form, and other times will be knocked around badly.
Such is the life of a pitcher, I suppose.
The Rockies are 5-14 in games that Freeland starts, which obviously isn’t great, but it’s largely on par with his teammates. Antonio Senzatela, owner of the most individual pitcher losses in MLB, has interestingly seen his team go 6-14 in his starts. That record matches Germán Márquez.
Kinda weird that Freeland, who’s inarguably been more effective than Senzatela overall this year, has seen his starts lead to one fewer win.
“That’s baseball!”
Does that mean that Senzatela’s argument for ace-ship is stronger than K-Free’s? Maybe, but Márquez probably has a better case than either of them.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Márquez started off this season as rough as anyone, but has really come on over the last month or so. Even if it hasn’t led to a great number of victories, Márquez’s starts tend to put the Rockies within reach of a win more so than his contemporaries, at least as of late. Does keeping things somewhat close-ish make him deserving of the coveted ace moniker?
In fairness, Márquez has also received more run support — 3.89 to Freeland’s 3.36. That extra half-run undoubtedly makes his job a bit easier, but Márquez’s success can’t be chalked up to being bailed out by bats. Instead, he’s been able to lock in and make his pitches when it matters most, especially recently.
Among Freeland, Senzatela, and Márquez — Colorado’s three tested veteran arms — Freeland is having the strongest season, just edging out Márquez by a hair.
We do have some options beyond these three, though.
Chase Dollander is heralded as the number one arm of tomorrow, but after a stint in the Majors earlier this season, he’ll be in Triple-A Albuquerque a bit longer refining his craft. He had his share of highlights during his time in Denver, though, and Colorado accumulated a 4-11 record in his starts, which is a better winning percentage than his contemporaries.
Maybe this is a sign of things to come for the talented young right-hander? One hopes, but it’s too early to say.
There are other fresh-faced hurlers as well, such as Bradley Blalock, Carson Palmquist and Tanner Gordon. All have shown flashes of dominance, but of the three, Gordon’s shown a bit more upside thus far into their fledgling careers. Despite his Tuesday night game against the Cleveland Guardians, performances such as his six shutout innings against the Cardinals certainly inspire confidence in his abilities, and it’s part of the reason the Rockies have accrued a 2-3 record in his five starts.
Gordon’s doing a nice job, but is still a bit too new to The Show for me to crown him ace, though he’ll definitely be worth keeping tabs on.
Finally, we have to mention impending free agent Austin Gomber. In 2025, he’s seen the most difficult season he’s faced with the Rox, as evidenced by his ERA north of 6 and the team’s 1-7 record in his starts. A soon-to-be free agent, Gomber’s future with Colorado appears uncertain — as such, he’s (respectfully) out of the running for our award.
With all of these players in mind, we see that there are a few candidates for the ace nameplate. Even in a season as debilitating as this one, I truly believe every single team carries an ace on their roster, and the Rockies are no exception. As such, when taking all of these pitchers into account, I feel that Kyle Freeland is still worthy of holding that station.
His 2025 hasn’t been spectacular, but he’s been relied upon more than any other starter and has continued to dog out his starts. There’s a reason that, despite his price tag, Freeland’s name has been floated as a potential acquisition by other teams. If there was one pitcher I’d want starting any game for this Colorado team right now, it would be the local lefty himself.
To me, that’s enough to justify his selection as ace — at least for now.
On the farm
Triple-A: Sacramento River Cats 7, Albuquerque Isotopes 3
Zac Veen’s three-hit day wasn’t enough to overcome a tough pitching night for the Isotopes as they fell to the River Cats.
Chase Dollander went just 2 2⁄3 and allowed three runs, while Lucas Gilbreath allowed three more on four hits and a walk without recording an out. That was enough to lift Sacramento, whose pitching staff was able to hold Albuquerque to 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position.
Double-A: Hartford Yard Goats Bouncing Pickles 11, Reading Fightin Phils 0
The Bouncing Pickles went to work on the Fightin Phils, combining great hitting with superb pitching to collect the win.
Sean Sullivan continued his impressive season with a five-inning shutout performance, finished off by Victor Suarez and Welinton Herrera’s four equally-impressive frames. On the offensive side, every Pickle recorded at least one hit, with Cole Carrigg’s three-run home run being the largest.
Braylen Wimmer knocked three hits and is now hitting .324 through nine Double-A games.
High-A: Spokane Indians 3, Hillsboro Hops 2
A tightly-contested game was won late as Spokane’s two seventh-inning runs were the difference-makers in their Wednesday dub.
Aidan Longwell tied things up at 2 with an RBI double, and scored the game-winning run on Cole Messina’s subsequent single. That backed up Konner Eaton’s quality start, and Davison Palermo and Fidel Ulloa teamed up to finish off the Hops late.
Single-A: Fresno Grizzlies 7, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 2
The Grizzlies lineup spread the love as six different hitters recorded an RBI in their win over the Quakes. Rodly Brito led the way with three hits, but Kelvin Hidalgo, Derek Bernard, Roynier Hernandez, and Wilder Dalis each tallied two hits of their own.
No. 6 PuRP Brody Brecht tossed four scoreless innings, allowing three hits and a walk while impressively striking out seven.
For more on the Rockies farm system, check out this week’s Pebble Report.
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On the internet
Rangers, Mariners Eyeing Rockies’ Relievers | MLB Trade Rumors
With Tyler Kinley shipped off to Atlanta, which Rockies relievers could be next to be traded before the deadline?
Freeland powers through illness to help shorthanded Rox | MLB.com
Kyle Freeland isn’t perfect, but I’ll always appreciate his dogged determination to compete. That was on display when he took the mound against the Cleveland Guardians, despite battling an illness. Was it foolhardy or brave? You be the judge.
★ ★ ★
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