Jon Gray Optioned to Triple-A by Rockies with 5.77 ERA; Raimel Tapia Recalled

The Colorado Rockies have optioned struggling pitcher Jon Gray to Triple-A and have recalled outfielder Raimel Tapia to take his place on the 25-man roster.

The team announced the transactions Saturday via Twitter:

Entering this season, Colorado had high expectations for Gray. He had shown steady improvement through his first three years in the majors, and he had a bit of a breakout campaign last season. He went 10-4 with a 3.67 ERA in 20 starts in 2017, missing two months in the first half because of a stress fracture in his foot.

Thus far, he hasn't been able to build on that success.

The 26-year-old had a 5.77 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP through his first 17 starts this season, allowing 108 hits and 11 home runs in 92 innings. Among qualified pitchers, last year's National League Wild Card Game starter ranked third-to-last in all of baseball in ERA.

Of course, pitching half of one's games at Coors Field is no easy task. He posted a 5.64 ERA and a .297 average against while serving up six home runs in eight starts there. Then again, he had a 5.89 ERA and a .277 average against away from Denver.

Despite the ugly numbers, Gray has had some bright spots. The right-hander had five quality starts, having allowed one run or fewer in all five outings. But he also had 10 starts in which he allowed at least four runs.

Colorado is hoping a trip to the minors can get him back on track.

Meanwhile, Tapia is hitting .308/.353/.527 with 10 home runs, 25 doubles, seven triples and 18 stolen bases in 74 games at Triple-A this season. The 24-year-old is a career .321/.365/.463 hitter in seven-plus minor league seasons.