Rockies Move Jose Quintana to 60-Day IL Amid Wave of Pitching Roster Changes

The Colorado Rockies made several pitching-related roster adjustments Thursday, headlined by the transfer of veteran starter Jose Quintana to the 60-day injured list due to a left elbow sprain. The move signals a significant setback for both the pitcher and a rotation already dealing with ongoing instability.

Quintana initially landed on the 15-day injured list earlier in the week after exiting his start against the Arizona Diamondbacks following a difficult outing in which he allowed six runs in fewer than two innings. Medical imaging later confirmed a sprain but ruled out the need for surgery.

Although surgery will not be required, the transition to the 60-day IL effectively removes Quintana from the roster for an extended period. The earliest expected return is now projected for late July, depending on recovery progress.

The veteran’s absence adds another layer of strain to a Rockies pitching staff that has been repeatedly tested by injuries and inconsistent performance throughout the season.

1. Injury Details and Rotation Setback

Quintana’s injury occurred during a start in which he struggled early and was forced to exit with trainers in attendance. He allowed six runs over just 1 2/3 innings before being shut down due to discomfort in his throwing arm. Subsequent MRI results provided some relief by confirming that no surgical procedure would be necessary. However, the diagnosis of an elbow sprain still requires a lengthy rehabilitation process to ensure full recovery. The decision to move him to the 60-day injured list reflects the Rockies’ expectation that he will need significant time away from competitive action. It also allows the club to free up space on both the active and 40-man rosters. Before the injury, Quintana had begun to show signs of stabilization after a difficult start to the season, making the timing of the setback particularly frustrating for Colorado’s rotation plans.

2. Season Performance and Pitching Staff Struggles

Quintana joined the Rockies on a one-year, $6 million contract shortly before the start of spring training, bringing veteran experience to a young and injury-prone rotation. Through nine starts, he posted a 2-3 record with a 5.27 ERA. His early-season consistency was limited, as he completed six innings only once and recorded a career-low strikeout rate of 11 percent. His fastball velocity also averaged below 90 mph, reflecting a decline in swing-and-miss ability. Despite those struggles, Quintana had recently shown improvement, posting a 3.04 ERA over his previous five starts and recording a 2-0 record during that stretch. That brief turnaround suggested he was beginning to find rhythm before the injury interrupted his progress. His absence adds to a growing list of injured Rockies starters, including Chase Dollander, who is also sidelined with elbow issues, while Ryan Feltner, Pierson Ohl, and McCade Brown have all dealt with their own injury concerns this season.

3. Roster Moves and Organizational Adjustments

In response to Quintana’s placement on the 60-day IL, the Rockies opened a spot on the 40-man roster by reinstating right-hander Jeff Criswell from his own 60-day injured list. Criswell was then optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque as he continues his return to game action. Criswell missed the entire previous season after undergoing Tommy John surgery during spring training in 2025. His recovery has progressed through a structured rehab assignment this year. During his minor league rehab stint with Albuquerque, he showed encouraging form, striking out 12 batters across 6 2/3 innings while working back toward full strength. The Rockies also added depth by signing veteran reliever John Brebbia to a minor league contract, bringing in a pitcher with extensive major league experience despite recent struggles in effectiveness and run prevention.