Ryan

Feltner

Feltner seemed like the best bet in the Rockies’ rotation going into last season, but he went down with a back injury after posting a 4.75 ERA in six starts and he was a complete mess after trying to return in June, resulting in him being shut down in the minors the following month. If he proves healthy in spring training, he should get a chance to rejoin the rotation.

Feltner allowed a run in the first, but he stranded the bases loaded then and in both the second and third. He was finally lifted after two more walks in the fourth. The assumption was that Feltner would be one of the Rockies’ best starters this season, but he went down with a back injury at the end of April and has had a tough time since he resumed pitching in mid-June. In six starts for Albuquerque, he’s allowed 21 earned runs, 23 walks and 29 hits in 21 innings.

Feltner will remain with the organization, but won’t pitch for the Rockies after the activation. He’s been out since late April with a back injury.

The procedural move opens up a spot on Colorado’s 40-man roster. Feltner has been out since late April dealing with back spasms. There’s a chance he’s ready to return at some point later this month, but that’s not a lock.

The initial plan was for Feltner to make two rehab starts before rejoining the Rockies’ rotation, so as long as he rebounds nicely from this one it sounds like he could take the ball for the Rockies on Saturday night against the Mets. His return is expected to push Carson Palmquist back to Triple-A Albuquerque.

The 28-year-old right-hander was scratched from Sunday’s start due to the back issue then took the hill on Monday and was crushed in a loss to the Braves, so it probably makes sense to sit him down and get the issue resolved. Bradley Blalock was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque and is expected to take his place in the club’s rotation.

Feltner was scratched from Sunday’s start because of tightness in his back, and it’s possible it was still bothering him tonight during his struggles. It’s also possible he struggled because he’s Ryan Feltner. He walked one and struck out four in a start that was ineffective from the third inning on. He’ll take a 4.75 ERA into a schedule bout against the Padres. Steer clear.

Felter’s back tightened up on him a couple days after Tuesday’s seven-inning gem against the Royals so he’s going to get some extra rest. There’s a possibility he’ll be ready to take the ball on Monday night against the Braves, but that hasn’t been confirmed. It’ll be Bradley Blalock making an emergency spot start on Sunday afternoon in his place.

Feltner walked one and struck out four on the night. The lone blemish on his evening came on a leadoff solo home run off the bat of Drew Waters to open the sixth inning. Aside from that, he was brilliant. Unfortunately, the Rockies were unable to scratch out even a single run of support for him. The 28-year-old hurler generated nine swings and misses on 87 pitches on the night, posting a CSW of 24 percent. He’ll attempt to build off of this strong outing as he totes a 3.86 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and a 21/11 K/BB ratio (25 2/3 innings) into Sunday’s showdown against the Reds at Coors Field.

Feltner loaded the bases with no outs in the second inning and was fortunate to come away with just one run allowed on a ground ball double play. He wasn’t so fortunate the following frame as he surrendered a three-run shot to Will Smith. Two more walks and two hits brought in a fifth run for Los Angeles and loaded the bases before Feltner was pulled with two outs in the third. Jake Bird would enter in relief and leave them loaded.