Rockies promote pitchers with pedigree to dramatically improve bullpen

The Colorado Rockies made two transactions on Tuesday aimed directly at improving their oft-used bullpen. The first, a return of Carlos Estevez who appeared to iron some things out in Triple-A posting a 1.78 ERA over 25.1 innings pitched for the Albuquerque Isotopes. The second, a promotion of Yency Almonte (to this point a starter in his career) to the ‘Topes.

Estevez rode his power fastball to 11 saves in 2016 despite his youth and the incredibly short amount of time spent in Triple and Double-A, moving from High-A to MLB closer in less than one calendar year. After his initial success, he crashed pretty hard, owing somewhat to him developing some tells in his delivery that could give away what pitch was coming. He also showed an inconsistent ability to command his fastball and secondary stuff. At times, the heater was a true late-inning weapon but hitters began to camp on it. If he has smoothed out and simplified his mechanics enough and learned to harness his natural talent with just a bit more precision, he could easily be a game changer in the bullpen.

Estevez has been saddled with an 8.10 ERA in 16.2 innings in 2017 but his 3.02 FIP suggests he was incredibly unlucky on balls in play. His 0.54 HR/9 compares very favorably to fellow righties Jordan Lyles (2.22) Adam Ottavino (1.80).

Almonte turned 23-years-old just one month ago and has been a starter to this point in his career. Ever since being acquired for Tommy Kahnle from the Chicago White Sox, Almonte has exploded his value with phenomenal performances. Despite missing time due to injury, he has pitched 76.1 innings for Double-A Hartford this season, posting a minuscule 2.00 ERA. He is striking out 8.37 batters per nine innings and walking 3.66.

While the long-term plans for Almonte almost certainly see him getting a chance to start games at the MLB level, he ranks ninth on the depth chart if/when Tyler Chatwood, Tyler Anderson, and Chad Bettis are healthy. But there is a need in the ‘pen and he has exhibited electric stuff in his career. He could serve either as a long man or maybe even potentially move into a setup role in September if he can continue to show promise in Triple-A after this promotion.

Almonte is already on the Rockies 40-man roster.

Both of these young pitchers still have plenty of question marks and neither can be counted on to bolster a bullpen that desperately needs bolstering. But both have such high ceilings, it’s not far-fetched in the slightest to see them both doing so. Compared to what Colorado currently has in their final few relief spots, Estevez and Almonte have much more potential.

We will learn soon whether or not they can realize it.