Freeland Scratched Mid-Game With Shoulder Issue as Rockies Scramble Against Padres

Kyle Freeland wasn't making it out of the first pitch. The Colorado Rockies left-hander was scratched from his scheduled start against the San Diego Padres on Sunday after the game began because of soreness in the back of his pitching shoulder. No warning, no warm-up time to test it out. Just a last-second lineup change that forced the Rockies into emergency mode.

Chaos in the First Inning

Right-hander Jimmy Herget had to fire up fast. Real fast. He took over in the bottom of the first and immediately felt the heat. Herget hit leadoff batter Ramon Laureano with a pitch to start things off, then gave up a single to Fernando Tatis Jr. That's the kind of inning you don't want when you're thrown into the fire cold. Manny Machado's sacrifice fly scored the run, and Herget's emergency appearance lasted a brutal 24 pitches.

Chase Dollander came in for the second inning and things didn't get much better. Ty France ripped a leadoff double, and Freddy Fermin's sacrifice fly made it two runs on the board for San Diego. Valente Bellozo took over in the third, but the damage was already done early.

Freeland's Early Season Numbers

This is the last thing the Rockies needed. Freeland, who turns 33 next month, had actually been solid so far. He's 1-1 with a 2.30 ERA through three starts, covering 15⅔ innings. You've got a pitcher finally finding his rhythm, and then a shoulder issue sidelines him mid-game. That kind of stuff can derail your rotation fast in April when you're trying to build momentum.

The Rockies will have some decisions to make about Freeland's next start. For now, they're hoping it's just soreness and nothing serious, because losing their left-hander for an extended stretch would sting.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.