Colorado Rockies Jon Gray will make next start, to throw less in between

DENVER — There was concern for the Colorado Rockies after rookie starter Jon Gray had to be removed from yesterday’s game in New York against the Yankees. Manager Walt Weiss cited fatigue after the game and Gray echoed those sentiments when speaking to reporters before Thursday evening’s game with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Gray said he intends to address the problem by “taking it easy,” throwing fewer pitches in long-toss between games and making sure he is fully rested for the days he starts. He was quick to be dismissive that there might be some kind of more serious injury at work. He is scheduled to make his next start.

The Rockies need to be careful with Gray early in his career and it appears that is exactly what they are doing. Of course, there is a balance to be had, as has been seen in the cases of Stephen Strasburg in Washington or Matt Harvey in New York.

In the long term, it is worth keeping an eye on Gray’s stamina. He has experienced fatigue a few times before in his minor league career near the ends of seasons. Going forward, if he wants to be an ace — and be an ace for a long time — he will need to build his physique and get in the proverbial best shape of his life.