Givens goes on IL with back strain
The Rockies are losing their most effective reliever to the injured list.
Colorado placed right-handed pitcher Mychal Givens on the 10day IL, the team announced Thursday, as Givens deals with a lower-back issue. His absence begins as the Rockies embark on a four-game homestand against Milwaukee this week at Coors Field.
“It’s been bothering Michael for a little bit, the low-back side,” manager Bud Black said. “He was able to work an inning a couple of days ago. But it just got to the point where it was nagging.”
Givens had been excellent with scoreless outings in seven consecutive games. His 2.78 ERA leads all Colorado relievers.
In a corresponding move, the Rockies recalled right-hander Justin Lawrence from Triple-a Albuquerque.
“I think the medical team and Michael felt it was the best thing to do, to put him on the IL, let it quiet down and let’s get rid of this,” Black said. “When he comes back, there will be no issue.”
owings and Gray updates. On
Thursday, Black commented on the injury recovery of two additional Rockies: utility player Chris Owings (thumb) and righthanded pitcher Jon Gray (elbow).
Owings — placed on the 60-day injured list in April — has appeared in two Triple-a rehab starts in Albuquerque.
He will also play through this upcoming weekend series, Black said. But there is no specific timetable for Owings’ return to the Rockies.
“It’s probably best that we let Chris continue to play,” Black said. “We’ll talk it over with Chris, the medical department, and our coaching staff to see when the best time will be for him to return.”
Gray, placed on the 10-day IL earlier this month, is expected to make his first Triple-a rehab start over the weekend, Black said. Gray’s MRI did not show structural damage after he suffered what the Rockies called a “right flexor strain.” Gray is 4-6 this season with a 4.29 ERA.