Colorado Rockies: Projecting Starting Rotation for 2016

Shawnee, Oklahoma. Jon Gray. 1. player. 108. <p>Jon Gray started the 2015 season in Triple-A Albuquerque, but he struggled at the beginning of the year. Due to his struggles to begin the 2015 season, Jon Gray spent most of the 2015 season in the minor leagues; however, after he found his grove in the latter part of the season, the Colorado Rockies decided it was time to promote their highly touted prospect to the MLB.</p> <p>Upon Jon Gray’s promotion to the Colorado Rockies, the team kept him on a strict pitch count, limiting his exposure to big league hitters. More times than not, Jon Gray failed to pitch more than five innings, resulting in just two decisions over nine starts on the season. Gray finished the 2015 season with an 0-2 record (over nine starts), 5.53 ERA, and 1.62 WHIP.</p> <p>Jon Gray possesses a plus-plus fastball that can touch triple digits; however, he needs to command the strike zone more effectively if he wants to make it at the next level. Gray figures to open the season as the Colorado Rockies’ ace due to his high ceiling and lack of other options in the starting rotation. Gray struck out nearly a batter an inning (8.9 Ks per nine innings).</p> <p>Despite Jon Gray’s high strikeout totals, he gave up over a hit per inning (11.5 hits per nine innings); moreover, he walked 3.1 batters per nine innings. Gray likely struggled to begin his MLB career due to throwing instead of pitching. It is common practice for players to throw in the high-90s, and while that bodes well in the minor leagues, MLB hitters see that velocity regularly.</p> <p>With an improved approach to hitters, Jon Gray should find improved success in his sophomore season in the MLB. Despite seeing time with the Colorado Rockies in 2015, Gray carries his rookie eligibility heading into 2016, and he might be on the radar for Rookie of the Year if he improves on last season’s struggles. Look for Gray to be the ace of the Colorado Rockies’ staff next season.</p>. SP - RHP