Colorado Rockies avoid arbitration with Jordan Lyles

He might be the forgotten member of the Colorado Rockies rotation, but he also might be the key to the club becoming respectable.

Jordan Lyles and the Rockies avoided arbitration on Wednesday, signing a 1-year $2.95 million deal. The deal makes sense for both sides, giving Lyles a modest raise after an injury-shortened season.

The righty was acquired by the Rockies from the Houston Astros in the Dexter Fowler trade. He has shown signs of being a solid big league pitcher, but the Astros probably rushed him to the big leagues, where he made his debut as a 19-year-old. The requirement to learn on the job seemed to be a hurdle that Lyles was on his way to clearing before two seasons in which he was shut down due to injury.

Lyles went down about a quarter of the way through the 2015 season with a toe injury. It was fluky enough that he pitched a couple of games with the injury, then succumbed to it after it was effecting every aspect of his mechanics.

Those who watch the Rockies know that the struggles from the mound are at the heart of why this team has struggled. While the rotation is basically in shambles outside of Jorge De La Rosa, the funny thing about baseball is that if one guy can maximize his talent, suddenly the rotation goes from being a black hole for four days into being somewhat respectable. If Lyles can be decent, he provides the Rockies with someone who is dependable enough to inspire some confidence into the team where they feel like they have a shot to win every game when he takes the mound. That mindset can make a team much better.

The Rockies are certainly still in rebuilding mode, but coming to terms with Lyles is a good place to sure up the rotation and get things headed in the right direction.