Colorado Rockies Place Starting Pitcher On Waivers

The Colorado Rockies have made some changes to their pitching rotation.

Right-handed pitcher José Ureña has been designated for assignment after struggling in his first five starts of the season, allowing 22 runs over 18.1 innings, walking 14 batters and striking out only nine.

#Rockies are designating José Ureña for assignment. He had a 9.82 ERA in his five starts.

The move makes space for Germán Márquez to return and keeps Feltner and Davis in the rotation.
— Danielle Allentuck (@d_allentuck) April 26, 2023

The team has made room for Germán Márquez, who has been activated from the injured list and is expected to start in their game against the Cleveland Guardians. Márquez had been dealing with inflammation in his right forearm, but has since recovered and is ready to rejoin the rotation.

Márquez, who is close to becoming the franchise leader in strikeouts, has posted a 2-1 record and a 4.41 ERA across 16.1 innings in three starts this season, while showing improved control with 13 strikeouts and just one walk. With Márquez back in the rotation, the Rockies hope to improve their overall performance on the mound.

Ureña, who signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Rockies in the offseason, struggled with his command and had a career-high fly ball percentage of 31.4%.

Jose Urena is brutal pic.twitter.com/7UjlyxqYvP
— Complete Phillies (@CompletePhils) April 23, 2023

The move to designate him for assignment frees up a spot on the Rockies' 40-man roster and gives rookie Noah Davis an opportunity to remain in the starting rotation after two good starts this season.

It remains to be seen what Ureña's future plans are, but it is unlikely that he will be claimed off waivers due to the remaining money on his contract.

He'll likely join free agency soon, either through a release or by rejecting an outright assignment.

Meanwhile, the Rockies will look to move forward with their new rotation and continue to compete in the National League West division. Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports