Rockies' No. 14 prospect Herrera out for year with torn UCL
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ANAHEIM — Left-handed reliever Welinton Herrera's rookie season is over after only 2 1/3 innings, as he has suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, the Rockies announced on Monday.
The Rockies’ No. 14 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, was placed on the 15-day injured list on Saturday with elbow inflammation, but an MRI revealed a tear.
Rockies manager Warren Schaefer said there is no timeline at this moment regarding surgery or recovery time for Herrera.
Herrera didn’t allow a run in his brief stint in the big leagues, tossing a pair of scoreless innings against the Dodgers last week and then recording an out with a hit and a walk before being removed against the Giants on Friday.
Down in Triple-A Albuquerque, Welinton pitched to a 5.16 ERA in 16 appearances and struck out 34 in 22 2/3 innings of work.
With the news, the Rockies transferred him to the 60-day IL. They also optioned right-hander Zach Agnos to Triple-A Albuquerque and selected the contract of right-hander TJ Shook.
“Welinton has a UCL tear [in his] left elbow, so that's not good,” Schaeffer said ahead of Monday's game against the Angels. “We're upset about that. But Shook is getting his first chance in the big leagues, which is really cool. So, he's coming up, and we're looking forward to seeing him finish in the big leagues.”
Shook was Albuquerque’s closer, recording seven saves with a 2.86 ERA in 28 1/3 innings and striking out 29 batters.