Injury-Plagued Rockies Struggle Through Historic Low Point
The Colorado Rockies have endured a historically dismal season, finding themselves on pace to set records for all the wrong reasons. Through late May, they stood at 9–47, the worst winning percentage in the modern era, amassing a –175 run differential and a league-worst collective ERA of 5.55. Their offensive distresses have been stark, with just 3.2 runs per game, a .638 OPS, and one of the highest strikeout rates in baseball. To blend matters, their defense has faltered, leading MLB in errors and defensive runs saved, underscoring the entire team's struggles. These systemic failures have been exacerbated by a rash of injuries, leaving both the rotation and lineup depleted.
Pitching has taken the brunt of those injury woes. Veteran starter Austin Gomber began the season on the 60-day IL due to left shoulder soreness, and although he has started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque, his return remains cautious and tentative. Fellow right-hander Ryan Feltner was shelved with back spasms in early May and hasn’t yet been cleared for full game action, despite progressing through a short-box throwing session. Young Tanner Gordon also landed on the 15-day injured list in early June, suffering a left oblique strain that has sidelined him since May 31st. Additionally, promising reliever Jeff Criswell underwent Tommy John surgery in March and won’t see the field again this year.
The lineup hasn’t been spared either. Designated hitter Kris Bryant, whose massive contract carried high expectations, has been limited severely by lumbar degenerative disc disease. Since his IL placement in April, he has yet to resume baseball activity, including hitting or fielding, following an ablation procedure. Shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, a rising star in the Rockies’ infield, was placed on the 10-day IL in early June after suffering a left oblique strain. Earlier this season, second baseman Thairo Estrada fractured his right wrist in spring training, sidelining him for four to eight weeks. These absences have forced an already struggling offense to rely on replacements with limited MLB experience.
Front office and coaching staff remain optimistic that reinforcements are on the way. General manager Bill Schmidt acknowledged the toll that injuries and roster turnover have taken, urging fans to “grind through it” as they work toward stability. Meanwhile, Gomber’s rehab starts offer hope for rotation depth, and manager Warren Schaeffer expressed belief that the team has played better in recent weeks despite the record. Yet with so many key contributors sidelined, reaching consistency remains a steep climb.
If the Rockies manage to salvage their season, it may come more from the health of their roster than from on‑field tactics. With Gomber nearing a return, Tovar and Bryant hopeful for comebacks, and youth like Sean Bouchard or Braxton Fulford gaining experience, there is cautious optimism bubbling beneath the surface. For now, the challenge lies in staying competitive amid unprecedented adversity. Giving them an opportunity to prove their resilience, one injured list update at a time.
