Injuries & Moves: Goodman starts at catcher
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May 18: Hunter Goodman makes first Major League start and appearance at catcher
Jacob Stallings was hit on the right forearm by a pitch on Friday, but manager Bud Black said he was fine. But with Elias Díaz still nursing a sore left hand, Goodman would have started on Saturday, even if Stallings hadn't been banged up.
Goodman had a catching background when drafted out of the University of Memphis (fourth round, 2021), but the Rockies began moving him to accommodate his bat. However, they always liked his blocking, throwing and receiving, and they saw enough of it in Spring Training to make sure he would have opportunities behind the plate. Before being recalled on April 24, Goodman started as designated hitter, in the outfield and at first base. But he also made seven starts at catcher, while shared catching duty with No. 9 prospect Drew Romo and Willie MacIver.
Black said Stallings was available off the bench if necessary, and the Rockies still believe Díaz -- who last played on Tuesday -- will not need an injured list placement.
10-DAY/15-DAY INJURED LIST
1B Kris Bryant (low back strain)
Expected return: Possibly May 21 in Oakland
Bryant went 1-for-4 while playing extensively in Triple-A Albuquerque's May 17 game, a wild, 14-12 home loss to Sugar Land. Needless to say, playing that long in right field is a test for Bryant – who last appeared for the Rockies on April 13 but has made three appearances for Albuquerque. The plan is to play him at Albuquerque on May 18 and May 19 before recalling him from the rehab assignment. (Last updated: May 18)
OF Nolan Jones (low back strain)
Expected return: Possibly May 21 in Oakland
Jones went 1-for-4 on May 17 in the third game of his injury rehab assignment. He played most of the long-lasting 14-12 loss to Sugar Land. He, like rehabbing teammate Kris Bryant, is scheduled to play for Albuquerque on May 18 and May 19 before being recalled from the rehab assignment. (Last updated: May 18)
LHP Kyle Freeland (left elbow strain)
Expected return: Mid-June
Freeland joined the team on its West Coast road trip and continues to up the intensity of his pregame throwing sessions in the outfield, manager Bud Black said. Freeland is "a week or 10 days away from getting on the mound," Black said. The veteran starter also will have a Minor League rehab assignment. (Last updated: May 13)
60-DAY IL
RHP Germán Márquez (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: Around midseason
Manager Bud Black is encouraged by the progress of Márquez, who pitched 1 2/3 innings on May 10 in an Arizona Complex League game -- his first time in a game that counted since sustaining the elbow injury last April 26 at Cleveland. Black said Márquez will have a full Spring Training-type regimen, which will include a lengthy Minor League rehab assignment. After receiving clarification on rehab assignment rules, the Rockies are spacing Márquez's ACL appearances apart far enough that he can restart his rehab clock. He is throwing in extended spring camp between ACL appearances. (Last updated: May 17)
LHP Lucas Gilbreath (Tommy John surgery/left shoulder discomfort)
Expected return: TBD
Gilbreath is showing progress in rehab exercises, manager Bud Black said, but there is no timetable for him to resume throwing. The problem is no longer his elbow. He was pitching on April 23, the first game of a rehab assignment for his elbow injury, when he felt discomfort at the back of his left shoulder and was shut down. (Last updated: May 10)
RHP Antonio Senzatela (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: TBD
Senzatela, throwing long toss at 120 feet, joined the team in Miami and traveled to Pittsburgh as a change of pace, to rehab under the eye of the Major League staff rather than at the training center in Scottsdale, Ariz. It means Senzatela watched three gut-punch losses in Miami but was there to "support my guys." The Rockies are counting on Senzatela for 2025; however, he expects to make some Minor League appearances in August, and "hopefully pitch a game in September." His recovery is going smoothly. (Last updated: May 3)
RHP Daniel Bard (right forearm)
Expected return: 2025
Bard, who tore the meniscus in his left knee while playing catch prior to Spring Training and underwent surgery, had a setback rehabbing and will undergo season-ending surgery on his right arm on May 1. The Rockies placed him on the 60-day IL to add LHP Ty Blach to the active roster.
Bard, 38, is in the final year of a two-year, $19 million contract. Bard has said he would like to return after a year of rehab, but he will see how he feels and consult his family before committing to pitching again. Read more >> (Last updated: April 21)