The Colorado Rockies grabbed an 8-5 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. But the celebration faded fast when closer Seth Halvorsen left the game with what looked like a nasty elbow injury.
Halvorsen, a steady presence in the Rockies bullpen, exited in the ninth after just five pitches, clutching his elbow and clearly in pain. It’s hard not to wonder what this means for both Halvorsen and a Rockies team that’s been fighting through a rough season full of losses and frustration.
Let’s talk about the game, the injury, and what could be next for Colorado.
Seth Halvorsen’s Injury Sends Shockwaves Through Rockies Nation
Seeing Halvorsen walk off the mound after only five pitches was a gut punch for Rockies fans. The injury happened in the final inning, with Colorado leading 8-4.
He faced pinch-hitter Spencer Horwitz and jumped ahead 0-2. Then he lost the strike zone, throwing three straight balls—the last one at 99 mph—before signaling to the dugout that something was wrong.
Head athletic trainer Keith Duggar rushed out to check on him, and Halvorsen left the mound, his arm hanging at his side. Interim manager Warren Schaeffer didn’t hide his concern, saying, “It don’t look good.”
Schaeffer added that Halvorsen hadn’t reported any recent issues, though there were some vague mentions of discomfort earlier. For a team already on the ropes, losing their closer would sting.
Halvorsen’s Impact as Rockies’ Closer
Since taking over as closer in June, Halvorsen has been one of the few bright spots for Colorado. He’s racked up 11 saves and nailed 90% of his last 10 chances.
With a fastball that touches triple digits, he’s been the guy the Rockies trust when things get tense. Replacing someone like that isn’t simple, especially for a bullpen that’s already shaky.
A Rocky Season Becomes More Uncertain
Saturday’s win pushed the Rockies to a 30-80 record. They’re still uncomfortably close to the modern-era record for losses, set by the 2024 White Sox at 41-121.
With just 52 games left, Colorado has to scramble to avoid history—and now they’ve got to patch together a bullpen without Halvorsen.
The Next Men Up: Who Will Step Into the Closer Role?
When Halvorsen left, Dugan Darnell came in and got the final three outs to seal the win. Darnell could be the top choice for ninth-inning duties, at least for now.
Schaeffer and the Rockies coaching staff might also look at Tyler Kinley or Justin Lawrence. But honestly, none of them bring Halvorsen’s heat or his recent track record in the closer role.
What Lies Ahead for Colorado?
Halvorsen’s injury just adds another obstacle for a Rockies squad that’s already been through the wringer. Schaeffer and the front office have to figure out how bad the injury is and what moves to make next.
If Halvorsen ends up on the injured list for a while—or needs surgery—they might have to call up someone from Triple-A or try their luck on the waiver wire for help.
Bright Spots to Hold Onto
Saturday’s win had its positives, even if they came with a dose of worry. The offense looked solid, putting up eight runs thanks to young guys like Nolan Jones and Ezequiel Tovar.
If Colorado can keep hitting like that, maybe they’ll salvage a bit of pride as the season winds down. But let’s be real—fans will be glued to any news about Halvorsen, whose health could shape how the rest of this wild season plays out.
With every game feeling like a tightrope walk, the Rockies have to dig deep and find a way to hang on.
Final Thoughts: A Test of Resilience
Seth Halvorsen’s injury hits hard for a team already climbing a steep hill. It’s tough news, no way around it.
Still, maybe this is the moment where someone else steps up. Sometimes, you just have to see who’s ready to grab the spotlight when things get rough.
The Rockies just pulled off a gritty win over Pittsburgh. That kind of resilience, especially now, gives Colorado fans at least a little hope to hang onto.
Here is the source article for this story: Halvorsen exits Rockies’ win with elbow injury
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