Rockies Blow Out Diamondbacks 12-4

Ryne Nelson was hit hard and the offense provided too little too late

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After such a promising start to his major league career last year, (3 starts, 1.47 ERA) and back to back quality starts on April 9th and 15th this year, Ryne Nelson is suddenly looking for answers amidst a sea of hard contact and hits.  He gave up nine hits and six runs today in a blowout 12-4 loss to the Rockies.

It was a continuation of his previous start against the Royals when he gave up 11 hits and four runs in five innings. Unable to land any of his breaking pitches, Nelson was making mistakes in the middle of the plate all throughout the outing. He allowed nine hard hit balls between 96-112 MPH exit velocity. Seven of those hard hit balls resulted in hits, including a three run homer to C.J. Cron, a double, and five singles. One  of the outs was a sharp line drive sacrifice fly to right.

To be sure, home plate umpire Paul Emmel squeezed him on a few calls at the most inopportune times, twice robbing Nelson of a strike out looking, with runs immediately followed. But Nelson was not able to overcome it. Over his last three outings, 14 innings Nelson has allowed 14 runs on 23 hits, four walks and three homers. He's not getting much swing and miss, striking out just nine batters in the three games.

It's unclear where the D-backs go from here. Forced to alternate three different rookies in the rotation after the Zach Davies oblique injury and the Madison Bumgarner DFA, things have gone poorly. Drey Jameson had to be sent down after a couple of poor starts and his most recent start in Triple-A was not good either. Tommy Henry has managed to avoid disaster in his two starts since getting called up, but just barely. Now with Nelson slumping the team may finally turn to Brandon Pfaadt. The Wednesday starter in Texas is listed as TBD.  What that may mean for Nelson remains to be seen. 

Mike Hazen, Torey Lovullo, and pitching coach Brent Strom are left searching for answers. Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly have combined for 12 starts and a 2.57 ERA.  All other starters have a combined 7.05 ERA in 17 starts.  Davies is still at least a couple of weeks away from returning and the team desperately needs at least one of the rookies to step up and pitch with some consistency.

Peter Solomon relieved Nelson and short circuited any hopes of a comeback by  allowing six runs in 2.1 innings. He now has a 12.15 ERA in 13.1 innings pitched in 2023.  Despite being in a mop up long relief role, this performance may also end up resulting in a roster move. 

The offense failed once again to get untracked against a left-hand starting pitcher. The Diamondbacks came into the game ranked 24th with a .656 OPS against left-hand starters.  Austin Gomber came into the game with a 9.28 ERA but was coming off five shutout innings against the Guardians.  He went six innings, allowing just three hits and one run, that coming on a long solo shot by Evan Longoria.

Longo sent this a loooong way.

463 feet, to be exact. pic.twitter.com/ju6JzelvZy

— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) April 30, 2023

The other offensive highlight of the game didn't come until the 8th inning off of reliever Brad Hand.  Dominic Fletcher, called up just prior to the game doubled on a line shot into the left center field gap in his first major league at bat. Fletcher had entered the game as a defensive replacement in right field in the bottom of the 7th. Fletcher came home to score on a base hit by Emmanuel Rivera. Lourdes Gurriel Jr doubled home Rivera to get the D-backs within 12-3. They tacked on one more run in the top of the ninth to close out the scoring on an RBI base hit by Alek Thomas.

One for the shelf.

Dominic Fletcher has his first hit in the bigs! pic.twitter.com/PPyT2Ztyfq

— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) April 30, 2023

A late development after the game is outfielder Corbin Carroll will undergo imaging on his injured left knee as a precautionary measure, per Lovullo. Carroll left last night's game after crashing into the wall and suffered a left knee contusion.

Torey Lovullo said that Corbin Carroll will have imaging on his knee on Monday as a precaution. He was not available off the bench today.

— Jesse Friedman (@JesseNFriedman) April 30, 2023

The D-backs record is now 16-13 and they await the result of the Dodgers game to find out if they will remain alone in first place for another day.  They have an off day tomorrow followed by a two game series against the Rangers in Texas Tuesday and Wednesday.  Zac Gallen will be on the bump for the Tuesday game, looking to extend his 28 inning scoreless streak. Game time is 5:05 MST