UPDATE: An urgent situation unfolded for the Colorado Rockies during their 8-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 15, 2023, as closer Seth Halvorsen exited the game due to a concerning elbow injury. Halvorsen, who has been a pivotal player for Colorado, left the mound after throwing just five pitches in the ninth inning, raising alarms among fans and teammates.
Interim manager Warren Schaeffer described the initial assessment as “not good,” indicating serious concerns about Halvorsen’s condition. “I’ll let you know more tomorrow,” Schaeffer added, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Halvorsen faced pinch hitter Spencer Horwitz to start the ninth with the Rockies leading 8-4. After reaching an 0-2 count, he unleashed a fastball clocked at 99 mph. However, after that pitch, he visibly grimaced, bending over and dangling his right arm. Rockies head athletic trainer Keith Duggar rushed to the mound, after which Halvorsen exited the game, leaving Dugan Darnell to close out the victory.
Before this injury, Halvorsen had established himself as the Rockies’ primary closer since June, recording 11 saves this season. He had successfully converted nine of his last ten opportunities, including six in a row, contributing significantly to the Rockies’ recent 7-6 record since the All-Star break.
Prior to the game, Schaeffer noted that Halvorsen had not experienced any issues recently, though he did mention a minor concern in the past. The Rockies, sitting at 30-80, are now faced with the potential loss of their leading closer as they strive to avoid setting a modern era record for losses, previously held by the 2024 Chicago White Sox at 41-121.
The Rockies’ next steps hinge on the results of Halvorsen’s evaluations, which are expected to unfold in the coming days. Fans and players alike are holding their breath for the latest updates on the team’s key player, underscoring the emotional impact of this injury on the struggling franchise.
Stay tuned for further developments as the Rockies navigate this critical moment in their season.
