The Rockies introduced they’ve chosen the contract of right-hander Jeff Criswell. He’ll take the roster spot of fellow righty Victor Vodnik, who lands on the 15-day injured checklist with proper bicep irritation. The membership opened a 40-man roster spot by outrighting righty Riley Pint just a few days in the past. Thomas Harding of MLB.com relayed the strikes on X previous to the official announcement.
Criswell, now 25, was chosen by the Athletics within the second spherical of the 2020 draft. In 2021, he made his skilled debut with 5 Excessive-A begins however then obtained extra run in 2022. That 12 months, he tossed 118 1/3 innings throughout a number of ranges, with a mixed 4.03 earned run common. He struck out 23.8% of batters confronted whereas giving out walks at a 9% clip.
He went to the Rockies within the December 2022 commerce that despatched righty Chad Smith the opposite method. He has been pitching for Triple-A Albuquerque since that commerce however with out a lot success. He tossed 121 innings final 12 months over 29 appearances, together with 26 begins, however completed with a 7.51 ERA. He did strike out 23.7% of batters confronted however walked 12.5% of them and likewise allowed 32 house runs.
This 12 months, he’s been pitching solely in reduction with some encouraging indicators, having thrown 57 2/3 innings over 35 appearances. The ten.1% stroll charge remains to be excessive and the 6.24 ERA isn’t spectacular, however he’s been hanging out opponents at a 30% clip. He’ll be making his main league debut as quickly as he will get right into a recreation.
As for Vodnik, the membership hasn’t supplied any particulars about his damage however they’ve each motive to be cautious at this level. They’re one of many worst golf equipment in baseball this 12 months and effectively out of rivalry, so there’s no sense pushing a participant by way of an damage, even when it’s gentle. Vodnik has emerged as a key piece of the membership’s bullpen this 12 months, with a 4.04 ERA, 9 saves and 6 holds.