ATLANTA — Reflecting on their recent performance, Kyle Farmer assigned little concern to Colorado’s unenviable position in Major League Baseball annals. Despite their performance marking a new low, Farmer’s response remained composed. Following Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to the Atlanta Braves, the Rockies found themselves with a 13-57 record – the poorest 70-game start in the modern era since 1901, surpassing the 1932 Boston Red Sox’s 14-56 record.
“We don’t care,” Farmer expressed. A stark acceptance of their situation colored his words. “I mean, there’s nothing we can do about it. It is what it is. We’ve just got to show up tomorrow and play. There’s nothing you can really say about it except that if it happens, it happens.”
The team added another unfortunate note to their legacy, setting a franchise nine-inning record with 19 strikeouts. Such a staggering number underscores a tough day on the field. The Braves’ pitching staff, led by Spencer Strider’s impressive 13 strikeouts in six innings, alongside relievers Rafael Montero and Dylan Lee delivering six more combined, set an Atlanta record for a nine-inning game strikeout count.
Amidst the challenges, rookie pitcher Chase Dollander of Evans, Georgia, brought some optimism with his performance, allowing just four runs, three of them earned, over his six-inning start. While the Rockies lagged far behind, trailing the Chicago White Sox by ten wins who holds the second-worst record, Dollander shared his mantra for this tough season.
“Just having a neutral mindset,” he emphasized. “Don’t ride the roller coaster. You know, there’s going to be lots of ups and downs in this game. This game is really hard. So it’s just, you know, staying neutral and we just keep going.”
As the No. 9 pick in the 2023 draft, Dollander shares the team with rising talents like catcher Hunter Goodman – a potential All-Star Game candidate – and outfielders Jordan Beck and Brenton Doyle. “You know we’re going to have our time,” Dollander remarked, expressing optimism and a readiness to learn and contribute.
Veteran player Kyle Farmer, at 34 years old, sees part of his role as mentoring the younger roster. “Keeping guys accountable and teaching them the right way to do stuff,” the first baseman remarked. His double against Strider was one of just four hits for Colorado during the game.
“Keeping their heads up and they’ve got to show up each day and play, no matter our record. It’s your job and you worked your whole life to get here. Enjoy it. This is a great opportunity for a young guy to show what they can do.”