Jeff

Criswell

Barring some surprisingly good news, Bryant will probably go right back on the 60-day injured list once spring training starts. There hasn’t been anything to suggest his back will allow him to contribute going forward.

Criswell underwent Tommy John surgery last month and will be out until the midway point of next season. The procedural move frees up a spot on Colorado’s 40-man roster.

Criswell is out for the year. Next time we post about him, it will be because he’s being transferred to the 60-day IL.

The surgery will likely mean that he misses the start of the 2026 season as well. Criswell was competing for a bullpen spot with the Rockies to begin the year, but obviously there’ll be another hurler who wins a low-leverage spot in the Colorado bullpen to begin the year.

Criswell was shifted from the rotation to the bullpen in Triple-A at the beginning of the year and proceeded to post a 6.24 ERA in 57 2/3 innings for Albuquerque, though that did come with an 83/24 K/BB ratio. He’ll get a look in middle relief.

Amador blossomed last year into one of the top prospects in the entire fantasy landscape from a dynasty standpoint as his contact skills put him on the potential fast track to the majors as he enters his age-21 season. Fernandez, Veen and Thompson also have a great deal of fantasy potential, if they ascend to the big leagues in Colorado down the line.

Nothing like the Rockies and Athletics making a small trade in the midst of the blazing fire of the Hot Stove that has consumed the Winter Meetings in San Diego. Criswell, 23, was the Athletics’ second round selection from the 2020 draft. He registered a 4.03 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 119/45 K/BB ratio over 24 appearances (21 starts) across three minor league levels in 2022 -- culminating in two starts at the Triple-A level. He should have a chance to debut in the Rockies rotation during the 2023 campaign.

Criswell allowed just one hit, and he walked two. It’s been a bit of an up-and-down start to the season for the right-hander, but he’s registered a 33/7 K/BB ratio over 30 innings with a solid 3.60 ERA despite a couple of bumpy outings. A second-round pick out of Michigan in 2020, Criswell has dealt with injuries in his short professional career, but he has a four-pitch mix with three pitches that flash plus, and he has improved his ability to throw them for strikes. He’s more high-floor than high-ceiling, but Criswell does have a starter’s profile, and could be a member of the Oakland rotation by the end of 2023.