Antonio Senzatela to Make Season Debut Monday

Rockies' Rotation Gets Needed Boost

The Colorado Rockies will welcome back a key member of their rotation on Monday when Antonio Senzatela makes his season debut against the San Diego Padres, the team announced Friday.

Long-Awaited Return

Senzatela, 27, has been sidelined since July 2022 due to a torn UCL that required Tommy John surgery.

His return is a significant boost to the Rockies' pitching staff, which has struggled at times in his absence.

Steady Presence

Senzatela was a key part of Colorado's rotation in 2021, finishing with a 4.09 ERA and 150 strikeouts in 165.1 innings pitched.

His veteran presence and ability to eat innings will be invaluable to the Rockies, especially with Kyle Freeland currently on the injured list with a shoulder issue.

Cautious Approach

Manager Bud Black has indicated that the team will take a cautious approach with Senzatela's workload initially, limiting him to around 75 pitches in his first start.

However, Senzatela has expressed confidence in his ability to return to his previous form and contribute to the Rockies' success in 2023.

"I'm excited to be back on the mound," Senzatela said. "I've been working hard to get back to 100%, and I'm confident I can help this team win."

Schedule Adjustment

To accommodate Senzatela's return, the Rockies have adjusted their starting rotation for the upcoming week:

• Monday: Senzatela vs. Padres
• Tuesday: TBD vs. Padres
• Wednesday: Germán Márquez vs. Dodgers
• Thursday: TBD vs. Dodgers
• Friday: José Ureña vs. Dodgers

The Rockies (9-14) currently sit in fourth place in the NL West and will need Senzatela to provide stability at the back end of their rotation as they look to make a push for a playoff berth.