The arrival of Adam Ottavino in Colorado in 2012 was a quiet transaction that eventually reshaped the backend of the Rockies' bullpen for the better part of a decade. Claimed off waivers from St. Louis, the right-hander brought a lanky frame and a sweeping slider that seemed specifically designed to frustrate hitters in the thin mountain air. While he began his professional journey as a starter, the move to the high country saw him fully embrace a relief role,
He established himself as a model of durability over his first three years, appearing in 75 games in 2014 alone and maintaining a professional poise that put him in the conversation for the closer’s role. However, his story took a difficult turn in early 2015; just as he was poised to take over the ninth inning, a significant elbow injury required Tommy John surgery, forcing him to miss the remainder of that season and a large portion of 2016.
Ottavino didn't just come back; he authored a franchise-record 37 consecutive scoreless appearances spanning the end of 2014 and his return in 2016. His performance reached an elite level of efficiency during the 2018 campaign, a summer where he served as the primary set-up man for a playoff-bound squad. That year, he posted a 2.43 ERA and struck out a staggering 112 batters in just 77.2 innings, setting a then-Rockies record for strikeouts by a reliever.
The story in Colorado concluded following the 2018 season when he signed with the New York Yankees as a free agent. He departed as one of the most statistically significant relievers to ever wear the purple pinstripes, leaving behind 17 saves and nearly 500 strikeouts as a Rockie.
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