The Colorado Rockies, who entered Monday night’s game against the San Francisco Giants with the best record (12-3) in Major League Baseball, have done it all without Ubaldo Jimenez, their ace starting pitcher.
Jimenez has started just once this season, and gave up six runs in six innings before going on the Disabled List with a cut cuticle on his pitching thumb. But with the cuticle healed, Jimenez is scheduled to face off against Jonathan Sanchez Tuesday night at Coors Field.
Everybody associated with the Rockies should be thrilled, save perhaps Greg Reynolds, who went 1-0 with a 3.27 ERA as Jimenez’s replacement. But with only three strikeouts in his 11 innings, Reynolds hardly staked his claim on a slot in the rotation, and figures to be heading back to Triple-A Colorado Springs.
The Rockies are off to their best start ever, and that none of their 12 wins have been earned by Jimenez makes it all the more impressive.