Rockies re-sign former Giants southpaw to minor-league deal

After carving out a role for himself in the Rockies bullpen in 2022, Blach worked his way into the starting rotation this past season. The southpaw recorded a 5.54 ERA across 78 innings pitched (20 appearances) with 50 strikeouts and 24 walks. However, he was non-tendered by Colorado at the end of the season.

Blach was drafted by the Giants in the fifth round of the 2012 MLB Draft out of Creighton. A contact-oriented pitcher, the crafty lefty was incredibly effective in the lower minor leagues. In his first full minor-league season, Blach posted a 2.90 ERA across 130.1 innings pitched at High-A.

As Blach faced tougher competition, though, hitters were more capable of taking advantage of his fringey pitch mix. With that said, Blach made his big-league debut in September of 2016. Joining a Giants team amidst a postseason push, Blach proved to be a pivotal late-season contributor with a 1.06 ERA in 17 innings pitched (four appearances). Blach's first MLB stint was highlighted by outdueling Clayton Kershaw in a 1-0 victory over the Dodgers in the final game of the season with eight shutout innings.

Over the next two seasons, Blach was a consistent swingman for San Francisco. While he never racked up strikeouts, Blach's excellent command allowed him to rack up innings and still limit opposing offenses. In 282.1 innings from 2017-2018, Blach had a 4.56 ERA (4.18 FIP) with 148 strikeouts and 84 walks.

The Giants designated Blach for assignment in Farhan Zaidi's first season as president of baseball operations, 2019, and he was claimed off waivers by the Orioles. Blach struggled in five starts with the Orioles and would miss the 2020 season after undergoing UCL surgery. Blach returned to action in the Orioles minor-league ranks in 2021 before inking a minor-league deal with the Rockies prior to the 2022 campaign.

The Rockies prioritized giving opportunities to younger players this past season and recently acquired another, Cal Quantrill, via trade. However, Colorado is expected to be one of the worst teams in the league once again in 2024, which should leave plenty of opportunities for the 33-year-old to find a way back into the Rockies' pitching staff.