Riley Pint back with Colorado Rockies

Riley Pint had been one of the biggest draft busts in recent history. The fourth overall selection in the 2016 MLB Draft by the Colorado Rockies, Pint had been a consensus top 100 prospect prior to the 2017 and 2018 seasons. However, he was never able to tap into his potential, as injury and command issues derailed what was expected to be a promising career.

The pressure of attempting to live up to those expectations, and being unable to do so, had gotten to Pint. He had retired at the beginning of June, those early comparisons to Justin Verlander never coming close to being prophetic.

Riley Pint returns to Colorado Rockies

But the Rockies had refused to close the door on Pint. They had stated that, if he wanted to return, he would be welcome back with open arms. In the meanwhile, they would continue to support him moving forward, helping him to get through whatever struggles he may have had.

And now, Pint is back. He has been reinstated by the Rockies and will presumably pick up his career with the Spokane Indians. While he still had struggles harnessing his stuff last year, he arguably had the best showing in his time as a professional, posting a 3.38 ERA and a 1.594 WHiP in his 10.2 innings, issuing ten walks, but also striking out 17 batters,

It is easy to continue to dream that Pint can be a part of the Rockies’ future. He was throwing over 100 MPH as a high school senior with a plus changeup. His curve and slider were both expected to develop into plus offerings, giving him an enviable four pitch mix if he could harness his stuff.

Maybe the time off is what Pint needed. It is possible that by walking away from the game, he is back in a better headspace, ready to take that step forward in his development. If he can find a way to cut that walk rate, he could still be a solid option in the bullpen if nothing else.

Riley Pint is back with the Colorado Rockies after retiring in June. It is possible that the time away will let him resurrect his career.