Rusin will miss season opener
scottsdale, ariz.» By some statistical measures, the Rockies’ best pitcher last season was Chris Rusin, a laid-back left-hander with a Kentucky drawl who quietly threw a sub-3.00 ERA out of the bullpen.
After Rusin suffered a rib muscle injury early in spring training, the Rockies clung to hope that he could get healthy in time for Monday’s season opener at Milwaukee. That hope faded Tuesday.
Rusin threw a 30-pitch live bullpen session to hitters and will pitch Friday in a minor-league game at Salt River Fields while the Rockies play a game in Peoria. It will not leave him enough time to get ready for the season.
Colorado manager Bud Black said Rusin is “doubtful” to make the opening-day roster.
Rusin’s 3.74 ERA overall in 2016, including seven starts and 22 relief appearances, ranked second behind only Tyler Anderson at 3.54. From the bullpen, Rusin was even better, with a 2.58 ERA and more than five strikeouts for every walk he allowed.
But he suffered an oblique strain in a Cactus League game on March 3 and pitched just over three innings.
“Everything has gone well up to this point,” Rusin said. “I feel good. You just have to go step by step.”
Black and bullpen coach Darren Holmes joined Rusin at the mound Tuesday during his live bullpen, watching him closely.
The Rockies will probably put Rusin on the 10day disabled list to begin the season, and they can backdate that to March 30. That leaves Rusin, if he heals in time, possibly to return April 8, when the Los Angeles Dodgers are in Denver for the Rockies’ home-opening series.
Rusin’s bullpen spot will probably be filled by rookie Harrison Musgrave, a starter at Triple-A Albuquerque last season to whom the Rockies would like to give major-league experience in long relief early in the schedule. Jordan Lyles will also be available to pitch multiple innings, a role he shares with Rusin.
Footnotes.
Right-handed pitcher Chad Qualls (forearm strain) threw a bullpen session at Salt River. He, too, will not be ready to being the season. … Jon Gray (left toe) said he “feels a lot better” and is ready to pitch against Rockies minorleaguers Wednesday. He will throw 80-90 pitches, Black said. Gray left a game last week in the third inning.