SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – In a move that surprised many, the Colorado Rockies announced the release of right-handed pitcher Jhoulys Chacin over the weekend.
The former ace was coming off of the worst season of his six-year Rockies’ career, going 1-7 in eight starts and posting an ERA of 5.40 in 2014. Additionally, a slight labrum tear and rotator cuff injury prompted to shut Chacin down for a large part of the season last summer.
A season prior, Chacin posted some of the best numbers of his career with a 14-10 (.583) record and a 3.47 ERA in 2013.
“I’m surprised,” Chacin told Nick Groke of The Denver Post. “I was kind of 50-50. I haven’t been pitching well. I haven’t been doing what I wanted to do. But I didn’t expect it. Now I have a chance to find something else.”
The 27-year-old continued his struggles from last season in the desert however; with a 6.52 ERA in four Cactus League appearances (two starts). He walked four and struck out five in 9 2/3 innings.
“It’s a tough day,” manager Walt Weiss said. “A tough day for us, for me having to have that conversation with Jhoulys, who has been a warrior for us.”
Financially, Colorado frees up some of the $5.5 million salary Chacin was slated to make in 2015, but are still on the hook for some of that amount:
#Rockies are on hook for 45 days pay for Chacin, which comes out $1,359,890. Save $4,140,110 by releasing him now.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 22, 2015
The Venezuelan posted a 38-48 (.442) record in six seasons with Colorado with a career ERA of 3.78.
Prior to his release, Chacin was slotted in the Rockies’ starting rotation behind Jorge Del La Rose and ahead of Kyle Kendrick. With Chacin out, multiple candidates are expected to compete for the spot in the rotation including David Hale, Jon Gray, Eddie Butler and Christian Bergman.
Marco Cummings is a staff writer for Mile High Sports. He can be reached via email at marco@milehighsports.com or on Twitter @Marco_Cummings