It’s been a long time since the Colorado Rockies were able to witness the greatness that is ​Germán Márquez. Since being acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays before the 2016 season, the right-hander has been a staple in the rotation since 2017.

Since his debut late in 2016, the Rockies have seen the ups and downs that come for a big-league pitcher’s career. Márquez has seen his fair share of peaks and valleys but he has blossomed into one of the most accomplished pitchers in franchise history. In 2021 he earned All-Star honors and in 2024 he claimed the franchise record for career strikeouts. At times he has looked like an ace and in the final year of his contract with the Rockies, needs a rebound in 2025.

Márquez has essentially missed the last two seasons due to needing Tommy John surgery in early 2023. He managed to return and make one appearance in 2024 against the New York Mets before the All-Star Game, a much quicker return than anticipated, but he missed the rest of the season after a right elbow strain flared up.

Despite dealing with some shoulder soreness early in Spring Training, Márquez was able to work his way through camp without any problems, despite a bit of unsightly numbers.

Making his first start of the season against the Philadelphia Phillies, Márquez delivered an exceptional performance, showcasing his resilience and skill on the mound. Márquez pitched six scoreless innings, allowing only four hits and striking out four batters. Notably, he concluded his outing by striking out J.T. Realmuto with a 98.2 mph fastball, his fastest pitch of the game, underscoring his dominance and control.

Despite Márquez’s stellar start, the Rockies’ bullpen struggled in the later innings. In the seventh inning, veteran Scott Alexander left the game after walking pinch-hitter Trea Turner, putting two on with two outs. Manager Bud Black went to the pen to bring in Victor Vodnik who promptly gave up a two-run double to Edmundo Sosa to cough up the lead. Kyle Schwarber then blasted a two-run homer to straightaway center field. In the eighth inning, Bradley Blalock surrendered multiple runs, giving up a pair of home runs to Max Kepler and Nick Castellanos, leading to a 6-1 defeat. Offensively, the Rockies managed only one run, a solo home run by Hunter Goodman in the sixth inning. ​

Manager Bud Black praised Márquez’s outing but emphasized the need for the team to improve offensively and reduce strikeouts to support such strong pitching performances. ​

This game highlighted both the potential and challenges for the Rockies. Márquez’s return to form is a positive sign for the team’s starting rotation. However, the bullpen’s inconsistency and the lineup’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities remain areas requiring attention as the season progresses.