German Marquez takes Jon Gray's spot in rotation, to start Tuesday versus Nationals

DENVER – The Colorado Rockies have called up right-handed pitching prospect German Marquez from Triple-A Albuquerque to make his season debut on Tuesday night in the second game of a four-game set. This was confirmed Monday afternoon by Marquez himself.

Marquez, 22, made his MLB debut at the end of the 2016 season, pitching 20.2 innings first out of the bullpen and then making two starts. He became the second youngest pitcher in franchise history by a matter of just six to win a ballgame.

“That helped me a lot. Now I feel comfortable,” Marquez said of his experience at the big league level.

He began the 2017 season with the MLB club but did not enter a game before being replaced on the roster by Chris Rusin. But a foot injury to Jon Gray precipitated the need for a spot start, or maybe a few depending on how Tuesday night goes for the young man.

He brings a high-90s heavy sinker and inconsistent but occasionally devastating secondary stuff to the mound.

“I’ve been working on my changeup and my fastball location. And my release point on my curveball,” he says.

Over 10 innings with Albuquerque, Marquez posted a 2.70 ERA while striking out 18 batters and walking zero.

Marquez came to the Rockies in a trade that sent Corey Dickerson and Kevin Padlo to the Tampa Bay Rays and also saw Jake McGee — who has been fantastic out of the ‘pen so far in 2017 — come to Colorado. He came in sixth in our offseason Top 25 Under 25 series.

Marquez told the press that he found out yesterday that we would be starting tomorrow.

“All the younger guys, they worked hard in spring, they were on board listening,” manager Bud Black told the media before Monday night’s contest with the Nationals. “Very coachable and they learned. The time he had up here last year was invaluable.”

This is why the club feels confident handing the ball to yet another 22-year-old with hardly any big league experience. Hey, it’s been working for them so far.