Colorado Rockies pitcher Ty Blach Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Rockies have announced the re-signing of left-handed pitcher Ty Blach to a minor league contract with a spring training invitation. Blach, a Denver native, turned down an opportunity in the Korea Baseball Organization to return for a third year with the Rockies. This marks the third straight offseason in which Blach has inked a minor league deal with Colorado.
Blach’s Performance in Recent Seasons
Blach reached the majors early in each of the last two seasons, logging 44 1/3 innings of 5.89 ERA ball in 2022 and tallying 78 frames last season. However, his performance at the MLB level has been subpar, with a 5.54 earned run average. As a result, Colorado outrighted him from the 40-man roster at the beginning of the offseason.
Despite his struggles, the Rockies see value in keeping Blach around as a non-roster depth option. Although he doesn’t throw hard, with an average sinker velocity of 89.3 MPH, Blach has demonstrated strong control throughout his career. He has walked a little over 7% of opponents in his MLB career, and in the 2022 season, he managed to reduce that rate to 6.8%.
At Triple-A Albuquerque, Blach posted a solid 4.40 ERA over 30 2/3 innings, which is impressive considering the challenging pitching environment. His ability to work multiple innings has earned him extended opportunities on Bud Black’s pitching staff for the past two years.
Blach’s Role with the Rockies
Now 33 years old, Blach will be looking to secure a long relief or back-end rotation spot with the Rockies. Currently, Colorado only has three pitchers, including Kyle Freeland, Cal Quantrill, and Austin Gomber, who appear to have a clear path to a rotation spot. However, it is expected that the front office will add more starting pitching options during the offseason to enhance the team’s depth.
Blach’s versatility and ability to work multiple innings make him an attractive option for the Rockies’ pitching staff. His experience and familiarity with the organization may also play a role in the decision to bring him back for another season.
Conclusion
Ty Blach’s decision to re-sign with the Colorado Rockies for a minor league contract with a spring training invitation marks a homecoming for the Denver native. Despite his struggles at the MLB level, the Rockies see value in his strong control and ability to work multiple innings. As the team looks to bolster their pitching staff, Blach’s experience and versatility make him a valuable depth option.
With the upcoming season, it will be interesting to see if Blach can earn a spot in the Rockies’ back-end rotation or contribute as a long reliever. Regardless of his role, his return to Colorado brings a sense of familiarity and hometown pride to the team.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Colorado Rockies and their offseason moves as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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