Feltner returns with efficient start, providing a lift for Rockies

DENVER – So many innings, so little time and so few pitches for Rockies right-hander Ryan Feltner in his return to the mound.

Feltner returned from a five-week absence due to right ulnar nerve inflammation and buzzed through the Giants for six scoreless innings in the Rockies’ 8-3 victory at Coors Field on Saturday night.

The injury occurred on April 23, when Feltner left a start against the Padres after two innings. The decision to have him rest and rehab to prevent the issue from growing worse proved prudent. In two injury rehab starts, one at Double-A Hartford and the other at Triple-A Albuquerque, Feltner posted a 1.04 ERA and displayed keen pitch efficiency – a trait he displayed Saturday.

Of Feltner’s 63 pitches, 41 were strikes. Willy Adames drove the game’s second pitch to the warning track in center, but Feltner needed just five more pitches to end the inning. Feltner completed two other innings in fewer than 10 pitches. He also forced double-play grounders after leadoff singles in the third and fifth frames. It was more than enough for the offense, which supported him with 14 hits – including Jake McCarthy’s 3-for-4 performance with a home run and four RBIs.

A strong return from Feltner was what the reeling Rockies rotation needed. Michael Lorenzen and Kyle Freeland are in a period of struggle, and righty Chase Dollander and lefty Jose Quintana are out with elbow injuries that will take a while.

The Rockies have long believed Feltner could be an underrated gem they selected in the fourth round out of Ohio State in 2018. He debuted in ‘21 and has had periods of highly effective pitching. This year, under manager Warren Schaeffer, the interim for much of last year, and new pitching coaches, Feltner has gained comfort with a five-pitch mix that was on display Saturday.