The Colorado Rockies announced on Monday that reliever RJ Petit is sidelined indefinitely due to a sprained UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) in his right elbow. The team revealed that Petit, who stands at 6 feet 8 inches, will undergo further medical testing to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Petit, selected first overall in last year’s Rule 5 draft, has quickly drawn attention for his performance in the minor leagues. The 26-year-old was originally drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 14th round of the 2021 amateur draft. Last season, he showcased his talent with a record of 10 wins and 2 losses, boasting a 2.44 ERA across two starts and 45 relief appearances for Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo. In total, he recorded 79 strikeouts and allowed 22 walks over 66 and one-third innings pitched.
Throughout his five seasons in the minor leagues, Petit has accumulated a record of 21 wins and 15 losses, maintaining a 3.40 ERA along with 14 saves in 182 relief appearances and five starts. Despite his impressive statistics, he has yet to make his debut in the major leagues.
The Rockies will closely monitor Petit’s recovery process, as his absence creates a gap in the team’s bullpen. The club, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is expected to make a strategic decision regarding Petit’s treatment following the results of his upcoming evaluations. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how this injury impacts the Rockies’ roster and their performance in the ongoing season.
