Colorado Rockies have something strong in Chad Bettis

The Colorado Rockies and homegrown pitchers seem to mix as well as oil and water.

Several pitchers have looked strong in the minor leagues only to come to Coors Field and flame out. Many pitchers don’t even make the majors and either struggle in the minors or move on to flourish with another team.

Right-hander Chad Bettis is hoping to buck that trend and show a drafted pitcher can have success with the Rockies.

Bettis was drafted in 2010 out of Texas Tech. The second-round pick pitched well during his three seasons in the minors. He complied a 27-16 record and an earned run average of 2.97. He missed all of 2012 with a should injury but bounced back with good seasons in 2013-14.

The Rockies couldn’t make up their mind on where they wanted Bettis to pitch. He started eight games but also pitched eight times in relief during the 2013 season. In 2014, he had no starts at the big league level but made 21 appearances out of the bullpen. He struggled in relief as his ERA was over nine in 2014.

The right-hander started in the minors after spring training in 2015 and he had ever intention of being a starter. The Rockies finally show that was his talent and went with it. Bettis made his 2015 big-league debut on May 14.

He showed a lot of flashes early in the season including a dominant performance against the Phillies on May 29. Bettis pitched eight innings while giving up just two hits and striking out seven. He had a no-hitter going into the 8th inning that day.

An elbow injury derailed his hot start on July 19. During his 13 starts before the injury, Bettis had given up three or less earned runs in 10 of those starts. The Rockies got a quality start most times Bettis took the mound. Something Colorado has been missing for most of the team’s existence.

The Rockies dodged a giant bullet as Bettis’ elbow injury was not as severe as first thought and he returned on Aug. 25. The righty pitched seven more games and five of those starts were quality. He really just picked up where he left off and never missed a beat.

Bettis’ stuff is not overpowering but strong enough to get major-league hitters out. He struck out 98 batters in his 115 innings of work. His fastball is right around the league average at 91 mile per hour.  He walked 42 during the season. Bettis finished 8-6 with a 4.23 ERA. A strong season, especially by Rockies’ standards.

On a team that struggles to put five average pitchers in the rotation, Bettis is a keeper. He keeps the Rockies in the game when he is on the mound. Through the years, the Rockies have always touted themselves as an offense that can win as long as their pitcher keeps them in the game. Most of the time Bettis did that in 2015 but the Rockies still lost six of his quality starts.

Bettis, who doesn’t seem to be scared of pitching at Coors Field, had a 4.99 ERA at 20th and Blake. That ERA was inflated due to one bad game against the  Los Angeles Angels where he gave up 10 earned runs. Other than that game, he pitched with no fear at Coors Field. He gave up four or less earned runs in every other start at home. Another quality the Rockies need in their pitchers. When a Rockies pitcher gives up four run at Coors Field, the team needs to win that game.

Bettis won’t be winning Cy Young awards or being mentioned as one of the best in the league any time soon but he has a lot of potential to be something good for the Rockies. A pitcher that can strike guys out and keep the Rockies in the game is the perfect formula for success. And having a tough enough mind to pitch at altitude is another strong trait in Bettis.

The Rockies are rebuilding their pitching staff once again and have more questions than answers at the moment. One sure thing going into 2016 is a rotation spot manned by Bettis.