Jeff Criswell, the right-handed relief pitcher for the Colorado Rockies, is set to undergo Tommy John surgery, which will sideline him for the entire 2025 season. The announcement comes just a week before his 26th birthday. Scheduled for March 14, the procedure will be carried out by Dr. Keith Meister, a well-known surgeon among major league teams. This development is a significant loss for the Rockies, as Criswell debuted in the 2024 season with a promising performance, posting a 2.75 ERA across 13 appearances.

His surgery means that the Rockies may need to reassess their bullpen strategy, especially after placing veteran Justin Lawrence on waivers. The absence of Criswell may open opportunities for younger arms within the organization. The Rockies acquired Criswell in a trade with the Oakland Athletics in December 2022, and they were counting on him to contribute significantly in the upcoming season.

As the Rockies embark on spring training, pitching depth is being tested due to injuries to key players. Austin Gomber, projected to be part of the starting rotation, was sidelined with shoulder issues, reporting reduced fastball velocity in his last outing. Manager Bud Black emphasized the importance of prioritizing Gomber's health over rushing his return. Meanwhile, Jeff Criswell, a promising right-handed reliever, is set for Tommy John surgery and will miss the entirety of the season. The Rockies now face a challenge in filling the void left by Criswell’s absence in the bullpen.

With both Gomber and Criswell out, opportunities will arise for younger prospects to secure their positions on the team. The Rockies have made recent roster moves, sending several players to minor league camp, further reshaping their team as they prepare for the upcoming season. This situation underscores the volatility of pitching rotations in MLB, especially in the early stages of training.