The Colorado Rockies announced Saturday that right-handed pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano was scratched from his scheduled start against the San Francisco Giants because of back spasms. Left-hander Sean Sullivan was named the replacement starter just hours before first pitch at Coors Field.
The Rockies did not place Sugano on the injured list or provide a timetable for his return. For now, the veteran's status remains day-to-day as Colorado evaluates the injury.
Sugano, 36, signed with the Rockies before the 2026 season after an accomplished career with Japan's Yomiuri Giants. The multiple-time Central League MVP entered Saturday with an 8-4 record, a 4.80 ERA, 48 strikeouts and a 1.32 WHIP across 84 1/3 innings in 16 starts.
Sullivan, 23, was selected by the Rockies in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Wake Forest. He made his major league debut on June 12 and entered Saturday with a 0-2 record, an 8.64 ERA and 12 strikeouts over 16 2/3 innings in four starts.
The unexpected assignment gives Sullivan another opportunity to face National League West competition after spending much of the season between Triple-A Albuquerque and the major leagues. Colorado will hope the young left-hander can provide stability while Sugano recovers.
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The Rockies entered Saturday near the bottom of the National League West standings, making rotation depth increasingly important during the second half. Sugano has been a regular starter throughout his first Major League Baseball season and his health will be closely monitored.
Colorado is expected to provide another update on Sugano as the series continues against the San Francisco Giants. Until then, Sullivan will have an opportunity to strengthen his case for additional starts if called upon again.
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