Rockies’ leader in saves lands on 15-day injury list

DENVER — The Rockies’ pitching staff took another hit Thursday when one of their key relievers, Victor Vodnik, landed on the 15-day injured list with right ulnar-nerve inflammation.

The Colorado Rockies announced today the following transactions:
– Selected the contract of RHP Keegan Thompson (#34) from Triple-A.
– Placed RHP Victor Vodnik on the 15-day IL (right ulnar nerve inflammation).
– Designated INF Blaine Crim for assignment.

— Rockies Club Information (@RockiesClubInfo) May 20, 2026

The elbow issue appeared to manifest in his 14-pitch appearance Monday night, when he failed to record an out in the top of the eighth inning when pitching to three Texas Rangers batters. After allowing a double to Josh Jung, Vodnik walked the next two batters; half of the 12 pitches he threw to them weren’t close to the strike zone.

Vodnik was one of the team’s closer options in a bullpen structured without clearly-defined roles as to defined setup and closer responsibilities. His four saves so far this season lead the team; last year, he was second on the club with 10 saves. His 1.8 WAR in 2025 was second among Rockies relievers behind Jimmy Herget.

But Vodnik has struggled in recent weeks. After posting a 2.00 ERA over his first eight appearances this season — when he had three saves in four opportunities — he has a 14.00 ERA over his last 10 trips to the mound, including a blown save in a series-ending loss to San Diego on April 23, when he was done in by a walk, three ground balls that got through and a home run that decided matters.

VODNIK BECOMES LATEST ROCKIES PITCHER TO LAND ON INJURED LIST

Vodnik joins a growing list of Rockies pitchers on the 15-day injured list, one that includes starters Chase Dollander and Ryan Feltner and Herget.

Colorado promoted Keegan Thompson from AAA Albuquerque to fill Vodnik’s spot. He last pitched in the major leagues for the Chicago Cubs in 2024; he has a 3.64 ERA over 104 career appearances.

In the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, he notched a 3.34 ERA with a 4.45 FIP and a 1.515 WHIP over 11 appearances so far this season — the last three of which were as a starter, placing him in line to make the start Thursday in Phoenix against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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