Rockies’ Latest IL Move Clears Path for New Starting Pitcher in Rotation

The Colorado Rockies had a much needed off day on Thursday. Or, at least the players did. The front office had work to do.

The Rockies made three off-day transactions and left an open spot on their 26-man roster, one that is likely to be filled before Friday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The transactions announced by the Rockies included:

Placed LHP Jose Quintana on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to March 30 (right hamstring strain).

Recalled RHP Valente Bellozo from Triple-A Albuquerque.

Optioned INF/OF Ryan Ritter to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Rockies Transactions Impact

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jose Quintana delivers a pitch. — Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jose Quintana . | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Quintana’s move has impact on the upcoming series. He was Colorado’s probable starting pitcher for Saturday’s game. Michael Lorenzen is expected to pitch for the Rockies on Friday against Philadelphia’s Aaron Nola.

Quintana went 4.1 innings in his first start of the season, giving up four hits, two earned runs and four walks against the Miami Marlins. He also struck out two. Colorado signed him in the offseason to a one-year contract after he went 11-7 with a 3.96 ERA last season for Milwaukee. He made 24 starts for the Brewers.

Bellozo could be the starter on Saturday. He made 13 starts with Miami in 2024, going 3-4 with a 3.67 ERA. He struck out 44 and walked 21 in 68.2 innings. Last season he pitched in 32 games, but only six were starts. He went 1-4 with a 4.65 ERA, with 54 strikeouts and 23 walks in 81.1 innings. He didn’t work as a starter in spring training, so the question is whether he has the length to give the Rockies a starter’s workload.

Chase Dollander could be his replacement. The former first-round pick started the season in the bullpen and last pitched on Monday in Toronto. He could start in Quintana’s place on normal rest for a starting pitcher. Dollander worked in relief in that game, going four innings and picking up the win. He allowed five hits, four earned runs and two walks while he struck out five.

Ritter being optioned is a curious move after six games. He played in all six but batted .143 with one hit in seven at-bats. For now, the Rockies have options in the middle infield that are hitting better and the option to Albuquerque will give him a chance to get more playing time. The curious part is who the Rockies will call up to replace him? Colorado also has four players on the 10-day IL that could be eligible by Friday.