Rockies' Austin Gomber scraped from the beginning; Jeff Criswell needs Tommy John Operation

The Rockies pitching depth is tested early in spring training.

The left -handed Austin Gomber, a probable member of the starting trotation, was scratched against Seattle on Sunday due to shoulder problems from his start in the Cactus League, and the right -handed man Jeff Criwell is said to be undergoing a Tommy John operation on March 14th.

The 31 -year -old Gomber asked manager Bud Black according to MLB.com due to reduced fasting speed on Sunday. Gomber should record three innings.

A shoulder examination did not result in a significant injury, but Gombers Peak Fastball speed was only 89.2 miles per hour at the start of the White SOX. His average fast ball speed last season was 90.4 a.m. and he scored 93.7 miles per hour in a game last April. Gomber, who was acquired from St. Louis in 2021 as part of the Nolan Arenado trade, went with an ERA of 4.75 ERA in 30 starts last season 4-12.

Black said there is no urgency to bring Gomber back onto the hill.

“There is no schedule for his return, but we will make sure that he is healthy and not try to accelerate it,” Black told MLB.com. “He understands that it is March 2 and that this (season) will go until October. So we don't push it too early. “

Criswell, who turned 26 on March 10, was acquired by athletics in December 2022. On August 21, he made his debut in the Major League. Last season he went with an ERA of 2.75 ERA in 13 appearances. He fought for a place in the bullpen.

“It was real stuff,” said Black. “Good life on his fastball, a good curve ball and the feeling for the change. “You can make a point that he was better in the big leagues than in Triple-A (last season). This is a crap because we felt good where he was. “