Jon Gray injury update: Foot forces DL stint
By Drake Diacon
Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray is expected to miss at least a month with a broken foot.
The Rockies placed their top starter, Jon Gray, on the 10-day disabled list with a broken foot. Manager Bud Black said on MLB Network Radio it is a “It’s going to be a four-to-six-week” rehab.
"“It’s saddening news for us,” Black said of Gray’s injury. “A bit of a surprise.”"
According to the Denver Post’s Nick Groke, the Rockies also placed OF Gerardo Parra on paternity leave, while calling up No. 86 prospect OF Raimel Tapia and P Shane Carle from Triple-A Albuquerque.
The injury weakens an already thin starting rotation and there are questions as to who will fill the now vacant spot for the first place Rockies. Speculation is the favorite would be reliever Chris Rusin, who has experience as a starter at the Major League level with 49 starts, 4.75 ERA, and 14-24 record. The reliever pitched 3.1 IP in relief and received the win after Gray left the game early due to his injury.
If Rusin struggles, the organization could decide to call up either MLB.com‘s No. 41 prospect, Jeff Hoffman, or No. 69 prospect German Marquez.
"“Especially the way Jon has been throwing the ball,” Black said. “He’ll get back, hopefully, relatively soon.”"
Gray, who was the Rockies opening day starter, suffered the injury during his Thursday start and left the game after pitching 3+ IP. The former third overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft had mixed results in his first three starts in 2017 with a 4.38 ERA in 12.1 IP with a 9/7 K/BB.
Next: Top 30 MLB breakout stars in 2017
Last July, Gray looked like an ace of the Rockies starting rotation. In five starts, he pitched 33.1 IP with a 2-1 record, 1.89 ERA, 31/11 K/BB, and all five of his starts were quality. His most impressive start came in a complete game shutout of San Diego on September 17 with 16 strikeouts and no walks.
The Rockies placed Gray on the disabled list retroactive to April 13.