Quintana Optimistic for Quick Return as Rockies Adjust Pitching Plans.

The Colorado Rockies may soon get a boost back in their rotation, as left-hander José Quintana is hopeful he can return from his right hamstring injury without needing a minor league rehab assignment. Quintana, who is currently on the 15-day injured list, believes the issue may have stemmed from the season-opening road trip, which included multiple starts on artificial turf in Miami and Toronto. He pitched 4 1/3 innings in a 4–3 loss to the Marlins before experiencing discomfort during conditioning work afterward in Toronto. “We spent a week on turf — Miami and Toronto — and it’s probably coming from there,” Quintana said. “It’s hard to tell, but I was doing my routine and I felt it. I think it’s going to be good, but we don’t want to be rushing and have it get worse.” Eligible to return as soon as April 14, Quintana has already resumed light throwing and remains optimistic about rejoining the rotation without a rehab stint, though the team will continue to monitor his recovery closely.

Rotation questions remain

With Quintana sidelined, Colorado has not yet named a starter for the second game of Saturday’s series against the Phillies. Manager Warren Schaeffer indicated that right-hander Chase Dollander is expected to handle a bulk relief role, though the club is still deciding whether he will open the game or enter after a traditional starter. Dollander recently delivered a long relief appearance in Toronto, working four innings in a 14–5 win while allowing four runs on five hits and striking out five. He threw 74 pitches in the outing and said he stayed focused despite the unusual role and game flow. “The way it was unfolding and we were scoring a bunch of runs, I was trying to make sure I was staying locked in,” Dollander said. “When I went out for the ninth inning, it did cross my mind — to throw four innings like that was pretty cool.”

Roster moves and bullpen depth

The Rockies also added right-hander Valente Bellozo from Triple-A Albuquerque to provide additional pitching depth. Bellozo, who previously spent time with the Marlins organization, worked three innings in his most recent start and is built up to handle roughly 60 pitches if needed at the major league level. In a corresponding move, the team reinstated outfielder/designated hitter Mickey Moniak from the injured list after he recovered from a right ring finger injury suffered late in spring training.