Tyler Chatwood Injury: Updates on Rockies SP's Back and Return

Joe PantornoJun 19, 2016

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Tyler Chatwood landed on the disabled list with a back injury June 19, and it is uncertain when he will return to action.

Continue for updates.

Latest on Chatwood's Rehab

Thursday, June 30

Nick Groke of the Denver Post reported Chatwood will pitch in Single-A Modesto on Thursday and "can be activated off the disabled list as soon as Sunday. But his next start lines up for Tuesday."

Weiss Comments on Chatwood's Timeline for Return

Sunday, June 19

“It probably won’t be longer than (15 days),” Rockies manager Walt Weiss said, via Groke. “It’s tough to tell. But we’re thinking that will be sufficient. With a pitcher, you’re always nervous.”

Back Strain Delays Chatwood's Solid Season

Chatwood suffered the injury during Saturday's matchup against the Miami Marlins. After an erratic start that saw him throw 20 of 48 pitches out of the strike zone, he was removed from the game in the second inning.

Chatwood has been Colorado's ace this season with an 8-4 record and 3.15 ERA. He's normally been solid for the Rockies, a team that hasn't received much from its starting pitching, going six or more innings in 12 of his first 13 starts this season.

On four different occasions this season, he hasn't allowed an earned run. On June 6, he yielded only one hit to the Los Angeles Dodgers over eight innings.

But the injury bug has bitten him again, though a mid-back strain isn't nearly as serious as the Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2015 season. Still, this has to be a frustrating delay in the 26-year-old's development toward becoming a legitimate ace in Colorado.

This Rockies pitching staff is already without Chris Rusin, as he is dealing with a strained shoulder. Now, the Rockies will have to rely on the likes of Chad Bettis and Jon Gray to assume No. 1 responsibilities.

For a team that's already 11 games behind the division-leading San Francisco Giants, the Rockies can't afford to lose opportunities to get Chatwood on the mound, as he's been their best chance at winning this season.

Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.