Rockies spring training report: Kyle Freeland strong in Cactus League debut Skip to content
Kyle Freeland (21) of the Colorado Rockies works out in the bullpen during Spring Training at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Arizona on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Kyle Freeland (21) of the Colorado Rockies works out in the bullpen during Spring Training at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Arizona on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post
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Rockies 10, Mariners 9
Friday at Salt River Fields

On the mound: Lefty Kyle Freeland, intent on a bounce-back season, got off to a good start. In his first Cactus League outing, Freeland pitched two perfect innings, striking out one. He threw 19 of 21 pitches for strikes. … Right-handed relievers Matt Carasiti (1 1/3 innings) and Jake Bird (one inning), as well as lefty Evan Justice (one inning), all held the Mariners scoreless. … Veteran right-hander John Curtiss did not fare well, getting rocked for five runs on five hits (including a homer and a double) and a walk in two-thirds of an inning.

At the plate: Third baseman Ryan McMahon went 2-for-3 and hit his first homer of spring. …  Veteran outfielder Bradley Zimmer, bidding for a roster spot, also hit a homer, hit 2-for-3 and drove in two runs. … Second baseman Brendan Rodgers went 2-for-3 and has batted 4-for-8 in his last three games. … Sam Hilliard, in his return to the Rockies, was 1-for-2 with a walk. He’s competing with Zimmer to make the roster as a fifth outfielder.

Prospect watch: Catcher Drew Romo, likely to open the season at Triple-A Albuquerque, coaxed two walks and scored a run. Romo is hitting .273.

Up next: Reds at Rockies, 1:10 p.m. Saturday

Rockies probable pitchers: RHP Cal Quantrill, RHP Justin Lawrence, RHP Nick Mears, RHP Victor Vodnik, RHP Karl Kauffmann, LHP Joe Rock.

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