Report: Rockies have ‘longstanding interest’ in Orioles pitcher

The Colorado Rockies are looking for upgrades in the rotation, and they may have one particular name in mind.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Rockies have a “longstanding interest” in Baltimore Orioles pitcher and Colorado native Kevin Gausman, and have also looked at his teammate Dylan Bundy.

#Rockies scouting #Orioles’ Gausman and Bundy, sources tell The Athletic. COL has longstanding interest in Gausman, a Colorado native. Team also looking at starters and relievers from other clubs. Difficult and potentially pivotal week ahead at Coors – two vs. HOU, three vs. OAK.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 23, 2018

As is so often the case, the Rockies are in need of pitching to bolster their playoff hopes. They’re 53-46 and very much in the hunt, but their 4.73 team ERA is 14th in the National League. Even the team’s ace has struggled this year.

Gausman has a 4.33 ERA this season, and while his walk rate is the best it’s ever been, his strikeouts are down. Perhaps a change of scenery and a move to a contender would help him.