The Rockies’ self-described construction project continues Friday night when they return from the All-Star break to host the Giants at Coors Field.
What that will look like remains to be seen, but a few things are certain:
• They will suffer their sixth consecutive losing season, tied for the longest streak in franchise history.
• Several young players have made their major league debuts, and more are coming.
• General manager Bill Schmidt will make a trade, perhaps several, as the July 30 deadline nears. Catcher Elias Diaz is considered the most likely to be traded.
• Manager Bud Black will continue to mix and match his late-inning relievers to see who’s up for the job. He also wants to stop the late-game bleeding that has the Rockies on pace for a 105-loss season. Colorado relievers have a collective ERA of 5.83, the highest in the majors, and on pace to be the highest in franchise history.
With those themes in mind, here are five players in the spotlight in the second half of the season.
First baseman/designated hitter Kris Bryant: The oft-injured veteran has played in only 24 games and is hitting .186 with a 30.7% strikeout rate. As he recovered from a left rib contusion and oblique strain, Bryant began taking batting practice and has been going through full pregame activities since July 8. He could begin his minor league rehab assignment as soon as this weekend.
There are two big-picture questions regarding Bryant. First, does he have the drive and passion to salvage his season and possibly his career? Second, will he ride the bench if other, younger players show promise and need playing time?
First baseman Michael Toglia, for example, is displaying massive power, but the Rockies want to see if he can become a more well-rounded hitter.
Right-hander Victor Vodnik: Obtained in a trade with Atlanta last July (along with starter Tanner Gordon) in exchange for reliever Pierce Johnson, Vodnik has emerged as Colorado’s potential closer of the future. His fastball regularly touches 100 mph and the Rockies love his aggressive approach. He’s already pitched 50 1/3 innings, posting a 4.11 ERA. He’s given up five home runs but also has 46 strikeouts vs. 23 walks.
Right-hander German Marquez: After missing 445 days after undergoing Tommy John surgery in May 2023, Marquez made his 2023 debut last Sunday in New York against the Mets. His knuckle curveball was sharp, but he was rusty. And nervous.
“It was like my debut, no doubt,” Marquez told MLB.com. “After I threw my first pitch, the nerves went away.”
It was a so-so performance from Marquez, who gave up three runs on five hits over four innings. He struck out three but walked four and struggled with his command. The Rockies still see Marquez as a central piece to their rotation, and last September, they gave him a two-year, $20 million contract extension through 2025. The last 11 weeks of the season will be a test.
Outfielder Jordan Beck: Despite his .190 average in the first 23 games of his career, the Rockies believe Beck can be a big part of the outfield going forward. He flashed power, speed and defense before he broke his left hand while diving for a ball in left field on May 25.
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Beck has been rehabbing in Arizona and is getting closer to returning. When he does, look for Beck to get a chance to nail down a starting job.
Outfielder Nolan Jones: The Rockies hope the All-Star break helped heal Jones’ nagging back injury. He was placed on the 10-day injured list on July 13 (retroactive to July 12). It was his second stint on the IL and he’s played in just 49 games.
Even when he’s been on the field, Jones has struggled and looked nothing like the player who slashed .297/.389/.542 last season when he finished fourth in National League Rookie of the Year voting. He was the first rookie in major league history to have at least 20 home runs, 20 stolen bases and 19 outfield assists in a season. So far this year, he’s slashing .202/.311/.313 with three home runs.
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