Newcomer Could Join Colorado Rockies Rotation and Has Chance to Stick
It's been a tumultuous year for right-handed pitcher Chris Flexen, but he could be on track towards finding a new and steady home.
Flexen, who was designated for assignment and then traded by the Seattle Mariners, and then released by the New York Mets could be on the verge of being called up to the Colorado Rockies.
The following update comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:
Flexen could be called up from Triple-A Albuquerque to make his next start with the Rockies during the big club's home series with the Athletics this weekend, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
After being released by the Mets on July 6, Flexen signed a minor-league deal with the Rockies a week later and has immediately settled into the rotation with Colorado's top minor-league affiliate. He's been sharp through his first two starts at Triple-A, most recently tossing five shutout innings (84 pitches) while striking out six Sunday against Sugar Land. Even after recently calling up another Triple-A starter in Peter Lambert, the Rockies still only have three healthy rotation members at the moment, With that in mind, Flexen could have a path to a long-term stay with the big club if he's called upon to start against Oakland this weekend.
It would be a nice rebound for Flexen, who can benefit from unfortunate, long-term injuries to Antonio Senzatela and German Marquez.
In 2021, as the Mariners won 90 games and chased the playoffs, Flexen went 14-6 with a 3.61 ERA in 31 starts. He fell out of the rotation in 2022 after the Mariners acquired Luis Castillo but still started 22 games and pitched to a 3.73 ERA.
This year, there was talk of the M's trading Flexen in spring training but they elected to keep him. He started four games and relieved in 13 others, struggling mightily along the way. He's 0-4 with a 7.71 ERA right now.
The Rockies have the worst record in the National League, so Flexen should get an extended look.
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