ATLANTA — In a season marked by struggle, Kyle Farmer remained indifferent when reflecting on the Colorado Rockies’ alarming start, with just 13 victories through 70 games, a statistic reminiscent of the infamous 1899 Cleveland Spiders.
“We don’t care,” Farmer remarked following a 4-1 defeat to the Atlanta Braves, leaving Colorado with a devastating 13-57 record.
This performance places the Rockies among the teams with the lowest win totals in MLB history by this stage of the season, trailing only the 1899 Spiders, who secured only 12 wins. With a win percentage of .186, Colorado is on track to finish the season with a staggering 30-132 record.
“We can’t control it,” Farmer added. “It is what it is. We just need to show up and play the next game. It’s all part of it.”
Further adding to their woes, the Rockies achieved a disheartening milestone by recording 19 strikeouts in a single game, a franchise record. This futility was matched by the Braves’ pitchers, who also set a new Atlanta record for punchouts in a nine-inning game, with Spencer Strider leading the charge with 13 strikeouts.
Nonetheless, there was a glimmer of hope for Colorado in the form of rookie right-hander Chase Dollander from Evans, Georgia. He threw a spirited game, allowing four runs (three earned) in six innings, breaking through the cloud of disappointment.
Currently, the Rockies find themselves trailing the Chicago White Sox, who hold the second-worst record in Major League Baseball at 23-48, marking a significant disparity.
For Dollander, maintaining a neutral mindset is crucial in navigating the rollercoaster of a tumultuous season. “Don’t ride the highs and lows,” he advised. “There will be many challenges; just stay steady and keep pushing forward.”
Selected as the 9th overall pick in the 2023 draft, Dollander is among several promising young talents on the team, including catcher Hunter Goodman, who may make a return to Atlanta for the upcoming All-Star Game on July 15, along with outfielders Jordan Beck and Brenton Doyle.
“We’ll have our moment,” Dollander expressed with optimism. “It’s a learning experience, and I’m grateful to be here to contribute as we go.”
Farmer, at 34, sees part of his role as guiding the younger players through the tough times. He stated, “It’s essential to keep them accountable and teach them the fundamentals. They must come to play every day, irrespective of our record. Remember, this is the culmination of your hard work; cherish the opportunity to shine.”
Report contributed by The Associated Press.