When the Colorado Rockies entered their 2026 campaign, fans were hoping to see a turnaround with their beloved ballclub. After finishing their 2025 season with yet another dreadful year of over 100 losses, doom surrounded the franchise, and the skies still haven’t cleared.
The Rockies have faced persistent struggles when it comes to pitching, particularly with the injured list claiming numerous arms. Now, manager Warren Schaeffer is left to shuffle around players on his roster.
His latest three-player transaction should offer an element of hope, despite right-hander Victor Vodnik landing himself on the IL. The silver lining lies within one of Colorado’s fresh arms, who might be able to provide just enough of a boost to propel the Rockies forward.
Rockies Call Up Bullpen Arm Keegan Thompson
With the news of Vodnik heading to the IL due to right ulnar nerve inflammation and first baseman Blaine Crim being DFA’d, Schaeffer opted to call up 31-year-old Keegan Thompson from Triple-A Albuquerque, as reported by Rockies insider Patrick Lyons.
In early January, the Rockies claimed him off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds, after he had spent four seasons playing with the Chicago Cubs. During his 2024 campaign with the Cubs, he logged a 2.67 ERA and 36 strikeouts across 30.1 innings pitched through 24 games.
The following year, while playing in Triple-A, he recorded a 4.50 ERA and 83 strikeouts across 64.0 innings pitched through 33 games, five of which he started.
Before being called up, he had registered a 3.34 ERA in Triple-A. While he isn’t likely to completely turn around the precarious pitching staff, having a healthy arm on deck should be of use for the ballclub, especially if he can turn up the heat.
Not All Hope Is Lost for Their Pitching Staff
GettyKeegan Thompson pitching for the Chicago Cubs
As measly as Colorado’s pitching staff looks right now, Thompson could end up being an important piece to the puzzle with Vodnik off the table.
Per Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, Thompson brings length to their unstable bullpen, but uncertainty looms — he has only struck out 13.1% of hitters faced.
But overall, it’s worth noting that his performance in Albuquerque thus far has been promising. It’s evident he has something worth tapping into, and with four years of playing on the big stage, he has just enough veteran experience to back him up on the mound.
At the time of this writing, the Rockies are ranked toward the bottom of baseball, landing at No. 28, when it comes to pitching, riding a 5.04 ERA, just barely edging out the Washington Nationals at 5.06 and the Houston Astros at 5.33.
Once again, they fall at No. 28 when considering their 365 strikeouts since the season commenced. The Arizona Diamondbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals are the only ballclubs to trail, but they’re not far behind.
As the Rockies continue to navigate this uncertain period and the frequent trips to the IL, Thompson could provide a glimmer of hope. He may not be the cornerstone that fans are hoping for, but any step in the right direction should be acknowledged.
Rockies Initiate 3-Player Transaction Amid Pitching Woes