Victor

Vodnik

Hill has earned the Rockies’ last two saves, so this is bad timing for him. The 26-year-old has a 5.06 ERA overall in 26 2/3 innings on the season. Antonio Senzatela and Victor Vodnik are better bets for saves while Hill is out, but no one in the Rockies pen seems worth rostering right now.

Vodnik rejoins Colorado’s bullpen following a three-week absence due to nerve inflammation in his right elbow. The 26-year-old has allowed 16 earned runs over 18 innings of work this season. He’ll operate in low-leverage spots for the Rockies initially until he earns his way back in manager Warren Schaeffer’s metaphorical trust tree.

Vodnik has been sidelined since May 20th with right ulnar nerve inflammation. He had a strong month of April, but struggled at the beginning of May as he pitched through the injury. He could work himself back into the late innings when he returns to the Rockies’ bullpen.

Vodnik had four saves for the Rockies last month, but he’d really struggled of late, giving up 14 runs in his last nine innings of work. Not that we’re recommending any Rockies relievers, but Juan Mejia and Antonio Senzatela are probably slightly better bets for saves with Vodnik out.

Victor Vodnik also came up big tonight, throwing hitless ninth and 10th innings for the win. Vodnik remains the favorite for saves in Colorado pen, but Mejia is probably next in line. He has a 4.66 ERA and a 25/9 K/BB in 19 1/3 innings.

Vodnik, last seen giving up five runs against the Padres in a blown save Thursday, struck out Marcus Semien and MJ Melendez to finish a 3-1 game. He’s now 4-for-6 in his save chances, but he’s still not a great use of a roster spot in mixed leagues.

Vodnik came in with two on and two out in the eighth and struck out Fernando Tatis Jr. The ninth, though, opened with a walk, three singles and a homer to plate five runs. Vodnik then struck out Freddy Fermin before being pulled. It’s the second blown save for Vodnik, who saw his ERA jump from 3.60 to 7.59. It might open the door for Antonio Senzatela or Seth Halvorsen to get save chances in Colorado, but we’d suggest continuing to avoid the entire situation.

Vodnik did allow a pair of hits, but he was able to work around those baserunners to preserve the one-run lead. The 26-year-old has dealt with traffic in most of his outings, but he’s been able to (mostly) limit the damage to procure three saves with an ERA of 2.00.

Vodnik gave up two runs in his season debut, but he’s allowed just a 10th-inning automatic runner to score in seven innings this month. He’s the clear favorite for saves for the Rockies, though that still probably doesn’t make him worth rostering in 10- and 12-team leagues.

With Victor Vodnik seemingly unavailable, the Rockies tasked Mejia with protecting a two-run lead and to get the final five outs. He did both. The 25-year-old will likely be a high-leverage option for Colorado, but even if the Rockies somehow end up winning more games than anticipated, it’s hard to picture too many more save opportunities.