Colorado Rockies news and links for Thursday, April 3rd, 2025
The Rockies seem to have picked up right where they left off last season. Their offense looks as stagnant and unfocused as we had feared they might, and the bullpen continues to be a pain point, especially in the later stages of games. Things haven’t gone swimmingly at the outset of the 2025 campaign, but if there is one thing to be excited about, it’s the early resurgence of staff ace Kyle Freeland.
It’s only been two starts so far, which I’ll concede ain’t exactly a large sample size, but I’ve been extremely impressed by what the crafty left-hander has shown us at this juncture.
His initial outing on Opening Day – the fourth of his career, most in Colorado Rockies history – was nothing short of masterful. The Denver native tossed six near-immaculate innings against Tampa Bay, allowing just two hits while striking out seven Rays. That game saw Freeland mix his pitches expertly, pounding the strike zone and keeping hitters off-balance all game.
He followed it up with a solid second start against the Phillies on Wednesday. While not quite as effective – this time allowing nine hits and three runs over 6 2⁄3 innings, with some questionable defense playing a part – Freeland showed amazing resilience by escaping a bases-loaded, no outs situation with three straight strikeouts – of stars Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm, and Kyle Schwarber, no less.
️ @KFREE_21 pic.twitter.com/99opC0mTm1
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) April 3, 2025
12 2⁄3 innings is hardly indicative of a full season’s worth of work, but it’s good to see K-Free get off to a hot start, especially considering how 2024 began. So what’s to blame for such a strong initial entry into ‘25?
Well, one of the reasons could be his focus on attacking the strike zone. We all know that getting ahead in the count often leads to favorable results, but of course that’s easier said than done. Not so for Freeland, who’s been as aggressive as anyone through his first two outings.
Of the total 157 pitches he’s thrown thus far, 116 have been for strikes. That’s a 74% strike percentage which, if it were to hold, would be one of the absolute best marks in the league. This has allowed Freeland to come right at hitters and eliminate walks, something every pitcher would love to be able to do.
He’s never been known to walk a ton of batters – in fact, he’s lowered his BB/9 each of the last six seasons – but still, Freeland’s approach has worked wonders in regards to allowing free passes.
Again, you may scoff at the small sample size, but consider: in all of MLB, there’s only one pitcher that’s tossed as many innings as K-Free without allowing a base on balls (that being the Texas Rangers’ Nathan Eovaldi, for those interested). Point to the sample size all you want, but that’s most certainly a positive sign.
Freeland’s ability to pummel the strike zone has led to positive results even when batters do manage to make contact. Though the ninth-year southpaw allowed nine hits in Wednesday’s loss to Philadelphia, only one was for extra bases (a Schwarber double), and he also induced ten groundball outs. Nothing better than keeping your infielders busy!
Keeping the ball down in hopes of generating soft contact is not a new strategy, but Freeland is, at least thus far, executing this gameplan to perfection.
It’s early in the season. I completely understand that it’s a bit soon to begin penciling Freeland in for Cy Young consideration, especially when, despite his efforts, the Rockies enter play further back from first place than any team in MLB. Still, this is a very encouraging introduction to the 2025 season for Freeland, who’s showing why the team and fanbase still has so much faith in his ability to keep the position of staff ace.
If he can keep up this initial effort, Freeland could be on the cusp of a genuine career resurgence, which would be great for a team that seems a bit unsure of who their rotation of the future is likely to be. We’ll see if this hot start
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On the Farm
Triple-A: Albuquerque Isotopes 17, Salt Lake Bees 2
Wowzers! Talk about an offensive outburst. The ‘Topes hitters were feelin’ themselves Wednesday night as the took the Bees to task. Every Isotope recorded at least one hit – in fact, seven of them had at least two en route to an 18-hit drubbing.
Standout performances include Zac Veen’s four-RBI night, Jack O’Loughlin’s strong five-inning start, and Jefry Yan’s two innings of scoreless relief work.
MVP of the game, though, must go to Ryan Ritter. The young shortstop recorded four hits, including a double and a home run, and propelled Albuquerque to an easy win. Ritter is hitting a scintillating .438 through his first four games this season.
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There’s basically a zero percent chance that anyone reading this isn’t already aware, but Kris Bryant’s contract continues to hang like an albatross around the neck of the Rockies. His play continues to fall below expectations, and it’s becoming harder to justify penciling in the veteran slugger’s name in the daily lineup.
As such, the Gazette’s Mark Kiszla breaks down the possible routes Colorado could choose to go down in regards to his presence on the team – including severing ties entirely.
Diamond Dawgs Has Been a Rockies Game Day Hit Since Coors Field Opened Thirty Years Ago | Westword
Is there anything more ingrained in the history of baseball than a good ol’ hot dog? I don’t think so! In this fun read, get a look into a day in the life of one of the most consistent vendors in Denver sports history.
What will the weather be like for the Rockies home opener? | 9News
The home opener is tomorrow! That’ll be a blast, as always, but it looks like it’s also going to be pretty cold. Take a look at what kind of weather we’re likely to endure on Friday, and plan accordingly to ensure you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature throws our way on Opening Day.
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