DENVER -- Left-handed relief pitcher Chris Rusin and the Rockies have reached a one-year, $1,687,500 contract to avoid arbitration, the club announced Thursday. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman first reported the dollar amount.
The Rockies are counting on Rusin, 32, to rebound from a difficult 2018 and return to being a versatile and valuable member of the Rockies' bullpen.
Rusin was one of the Majors' top relievers in 2017, when he went 5-1 with a 2.65 ERA in 85 innings and struck out 71 against 19 walks. But in '18, he dealt with disabled list stints for an oblique injury and plantar fasciitis, and struggled to a 2-3 record and 6.09 ERA, spikes in walk rate (26 in 54 2/3 innings) and slugging percentage against (.435, from .358).
"Chris Rusin is a candidate to rebound," Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich said earlier this offseason. "I know he was disappointed by this season. It certainly was frustrating for him after his 2017, but there is better pitching in there. We've seen it out of him, and he can rebound well next year."