MLB rumors: 5 prospects who can help Rockies in 2019

Jairo Diaz

Jairo Diaz isn’t a player that’s going to wow on paper, but his numbers show he’s having himself a pretty good season. He’s technically on the roster right now after a recent call up, but he’s been so-so. However, he has the chance to make a huge impact in the Rockies bullpen.

The Rockies are currently without closer Wade Davis, who’s been notably good this season. They have Scott Oberg holding down the fort until he returns. Beyond that, it’s not great for the Rockies.

They could use someone to keep the bullpen secure, and Diaz can do that if he gets a shot. In AAA, where every single other pitcher was playing terribly, Diaz had a 0.90 WHIP in 16 appearances. He had a 0.45 ERA in a season where their best starter can’t get his ERA under 5.00. Those are insane stats.

One might think that a late reliever might not have that kind of impact on a team, but we have multiple examples of these players carrying their teams to the postseason. Teams are making the bullpen a priority. A team like the Rockies, who have serious issues with pitching, must make a priority out of the bullpen.

Diaz may have a limited role as a bullpen pitcher who’s not a closer or a set-up man, but if he can give the Rockies a true three-headed monster who can lock games down after the sixth inning, then this team could easily run into a Wild Card bid.