Colorado Rockies star pitcher Kyle Freeland found himself injured after a pinch-running collision during a critical moment in Monday night’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The incident occurred in the ninth inning of a tied game when Rockies manager Bud Black opted to insert Freeland as a pinch runner for catcher Elias Diaz, aiming to capitalize on Freeland’s speed on the bases.
However, what followed was a series of unfortunate events that culminated in Freeland’s injury and the Rockies’ subsequent defeat.
With a thin bench, the Rockies pinch-ran starting pitcher Kyle Freeland for their catcher as the go-ahead run in the ninth
Freeland got thrown out at home and injured on the play, though he returned to the dugout quickly. The call stood after replay pic.twitter.com/QAmd9KyDUG
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 16, 2024
As Freeland dashed towards home plate following a wild pitch, a collision with former teammate Jeff Hoffman, who now pitches for the Phillies, left Freeland writhing in pain, clutching his right shoulder.
Despite the potential for a game-winning run, the umpire’s call upheld the out ruling after a replay review, sealing the Rockies’ fate in a close contest.
Freeland’s injury casts a shadow over the Rockies’ pitching depth, particularly considering his status as the team’s lone proven big-league starter amidst a challenging start to the season.
With Freeland sidelined, the burden falls heavily on other pitchers, including those recovering from Tommy John Surgery, to fill the innings for the struggling Rockies, who now stand at a dismal 4-13 record.
While initial concerns loomed large, Rockies manager Bud Black offered reassurance after the game, stating that Freeland’s condition was not serious.
