Colorado Rockies avoid worst-case scenario with Antonio Senzatela injury

DENVER — On the day that Colorado Rockies starting pitcher German Marquez underwent Tommy John surgery, the Rockies announced that Antonio Senzatela had avoided the same fate and is expected to return back to the mound in 2023.

Colorado Rockies injury update is positive on Antonio Senzatela

Both manager Bud Black and Senzatela spoke to the media on Friday before the Rockies took on the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field. Senzatela’s status was up in the air after he was removed from the game in Pittsburgh on Wednesday in the third inning with what was said to be “right forearm tightness.” After tests in Denver, Senzatela was diagnosed with an elbow sprain.

“He should be able to pitch again this year. He’s going to be fine,” Black said.

Black said it would be “at least a minimum of three weeks” before Senzatela began throwing again and Senzatela told reporters he would likely be out for a couple of months.

It’s the latest blow for a Rockies rotation that has been patchwork because of injuries and poor performances so far this season. Senzatela has just returned to the rotation after suffering an ACL tear last season in St. Louis. The 28-year-old right-hander is in the second year of a five-year, $50.5 million contract extension, but has pitched just 100.0 innings since signing that deal.

Colorado also started the season with Jose Ureña in the rotation, but he was designated for assignment after posting a 9.82 ERA in five starts covering 18.1 innings.

Senzatela said that his arm was feeling sore after his May 5 road start against the New York Mets, but he said he wanted to “compete” and make the start against Pittsburgh.

With the Senzatela news, the Rockies claimed right-handed pitcher Chase Anderson off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays. Black said that Anderson could make a start for the Rockies on Tuesday when the Cincinnati Reds visit Denver.