Rockies Used Starting Pitcher Kyle Freeland as a Pinch-Runner, and It Went Horribly Wrong

Kyle Koster | Apr 16, 2024

The Colorado Rockies found themselves tied with the Philadelphia Phillies in the ninth inning on Monday night and were in desperate need of some speed on the basepaths. Manager Bud Black surveyed his bench and landed on starting pitcher Kyle Freeland as the best option, which is perfectly fine because pitchers are athletes. It almost proved to be a catastrophic decision, however, when Freeland attempted to score on a pitch that bounced away from Phillies catcher JT Realmuto.

Not only was Freeland out at home due to an unfortunate bounce, he appeared to injure his non-throwing shoulder in a collision with Philadelphia pitcher Jeff Hoffman.

The Rockies used pitcher Kyle Freeland as a pinch-runner for the go-ahead run in the ninth

He got thrown out at home and injured on the play, though he returned to the dugout shortly after. Hoping for the best for him! pic.twitter.com/EUDoA9n9QP

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 16, 2024

Thankfully for the Rockies, Black said postgame that Freeland would be fine. That might dull the pain of losing in the 10th inning to fall to 4-13 on the year a bit.

Freeland has not been immune to the team-wide struggles early this season, as he's lost three of his four starts and is carrying around an ERA of 13.21 and a WHIP of 2.55.