DENVER – The Rockies are sending starting pitcher Kyle Freeland to Triple-A Albuquerque following another rough outing from the left-hander on Thursday night, the club announced Friday.
Freeland, 26, lasted only three innings at home against the Diamondbacks, giving up five runs on seven hits, including two homers. Freeland, a Denver native who was one of the best starters in the National League last year, has struggled over his first dozen starts of the season.
He's 2-6 with a 7.13 ERA in 59 1/3 innings. Freeland has given up an MLB-worst 16 home runs this year. His last win came April 18 against the Phillies at home.
Freeland's struggles come after a breakout 2018 season, his second in the major leagues. He went 17-7 with a 2.85 ERA in 202 1/3 innings, finishing fourth in the Cy Young award voting.
In other transactions Friday, left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin returned to the Rockies' roster from the 10-day injured list and right-hander Jesus Tinoco was called up from Albuquerque. The Rockies also sent outfielder Yonathan Daza to Triple-A.
