Full Breakdown
Rockies Shuffle Pitching Roster Amid Injury Surge
5/29/2026, 8:05:02 AM
Quintana Moves to 60-Day Injured List
Left-hander José Quintana was transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day injured list after a left elbow sprain diagnosed on May 24, 2026. An MRI confirmed the sprain does not require surgery, and the move is expected to keep him out for at least two months.
Injuries Swamp Rotation
The Rockies’ rotation already includes several injured starters: right-hander Chase Dollander (right-elbow sprain, 15-day IL May 15), left-hander Pierson Ohl, right-hander Ryan Feltner (returning from right ulnar-nerve inflammation), and right-hander McCade Brown. Quintana’s absence adds to a staff described as “heavily injured.”
Key Pitchers and Their Recent Performance
- José Quintana – In nine starts this season he posted a 2-3 record, 5.27 ERA, 20 strikeouts and a 1.51 WHIP over 41 innings. He previously missed time with a right-hamstring strain after his March 29 start versus the Miami Marlins.
- Jeff Criswell – The 27-year-old right-hander, returning from Tommy John surgery (early 2025), recorded a 1-0 record with a 2.75 ERA, 27 strikeouts in 19.2 innings across 13 appearances in 2024. He was activated from the 60-day IL and optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque for rehab.
- John Brebbia – The 35-year-old reliever signed a minor-league deal after being released by the Twins. He has a career 4.04 ERA over 376 MLB appearances, with recent ERAs of 5.86 (2024) and 7.71 (2025). In 2026 at Triple-A St. Paul his ERA rose to 6.20.
Timeline of Recent Moves
- Mar 29, 2026 – Quintana placed on IL (right hamstring).
- May 15, 2026 – Chase Dollander placed on 15-day IL (right elbow).
- May 21, 2026 – Quintana’s start vs Arizona; exits after 1.1 innings with six earned runs.
- May 24, 2026 – Rockies transfer Quintana to 60-day IL (reported by Thomas Harding).
- May 28, 2026 – Rockies activate Jeff Criswell from 60-day IL; option him to Triple-A Albuquerque.
- May 28, 2026 – Rockies sign John Brebbia to a minor-league contract.
Statistical Snapshot
- Quintana: 5.27 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 41 IP.
- Criswell (2024): 2.75 ERA, 27 K in 19.2 IP.
- Brebbia: 4.04 career ERA; 6.20 ERA in 2026 Triple-A.
- Additional staff injuries: Dollander (elbow), Ohl, Feltner, Brown (various ailments).
Impact on Roster and Trade Prospects
Quintana’s 60-day IL placement reduces the Rockies’ ability to showcase him before the Aug 3 trade deadline; even a full 60-day recovery would yield at most two starts. The organization’s low-risk depth signings—Criswell’s rehab assignment and Brebbia’s minor-league contract—reflect a rebuild strategy that values any capable arm.
Official Statements & Organizational Response
Rockies officials confirmed the roster moves via MLB.com reporter Thomas Harding, noting the elbow sprain does not require surgery and emphasizing Criswell’s activation as a “significant development” for long-term depth. The club described Brebbia’s signing as a “low-risk depth” addition.
Criticism & Concerns
Analysts highlighted the thinness of the pitching staff and the potential loss of Quintana as a trade chip, noting that his 60-day absence limits the Rockies’ leverage at the deadline. The reliance on minor-league contracts underscores concerns about immediate bullpen stability.
Conflicting Reports & Data Gaps
Sources differ on the exact date of Quintana’s transfer: Thomas Harding’s tweet cites May 28, while Denver Sports reports the move on May 24. Additionally, a stat for Criswell reads “91 ERA” over nine minor-league appearances, a figure that lacks context and may be a typographical error.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The #Rockies are placing LHP Jose Quintana on the 60-day injured list with a left elbow sprain.” — Thomas Harding, MLB.com reporter
- “MRI results revealed a sprain that does not require surgery.” — Thomas Harding, MLB.com reporter
- “Criswell Returns The activation of Jeff Criswell is the most significant development of the three moves from a long-term perspective.” — Thomas Harding, MLB.com reporter
- “If Quintana were to return exactly 60 days from now, the Rockies could get two starts out of him before the deadline.” — Denver Sports
What’s Next
Quintana is projected to return in late July, potentially providing two starts before the trade deadline. Criswell will continue rehab assignments in Triple-A Albuquerque, while Brebbia aims to improve his performance at the same level. The Rockies will monitor additional injuries as the season progresses.
