Ryan Feltner DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Colorado Rockies right-hander Ryan Feltner (back) reported feeling less discomfort in his back when he threw a bullpen session on Monday than he did during his previous bullpen, according to MLB.com. If his next bullpen session goes well, Feltner expects to start a minor-league rehab assignment. The 28-year-old landed on the 15-day injured list on May 2 due to back spasms, but he could be nearing his return if he doesn't face a setback when he returns to game action. The former fourth-round selection in 2018 out of Ohio State made six starts for the Rockies before his injury, posting a 4.75 ERA (4.34 FIP) and 1.48 WHIP with 25 strikeouts and 12 walks in 30 1/3 innings pitched. When he's back in the big leagues, fantasy managers in mixed leagues can continue to ignore Feltner. In his five MLB seasons, he carries a 5.19 ERA and 1.43 WHIP with a below-average 19.5% strikeout rate.

The Colorado Rockies announced on Friday that they placed right-hander Ryan Feltner (back) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 29) with back spasms and recalled right-handed pitching prospect Bradley Blalock from Triple-A Albuquerque in a corresponding move. Feltner will now miss the next two weeks after having his last start pushed back from Sunday to Monday. The 28-year-old wasn't sharp in the loss to the Atlanta Braves, allowing five runs on a season-high 10 hits allowed while walking one and striking out four in 4 2/3 innings. It remains to be seen if he'll be able to return from the IL when he's eligible on May 14. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues shouldn't view Feltner as a must-stash arm while he's out. He's gone 0-2 on the year with a 4.75 ERA and 1.48 WHIP with 25 strikeouts and 12 walks in his six starts covering 30 1/3 frames.

Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black told reporters that right-hander Ryan Feltner (illness) pitched through the flu in the team's 7-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday at Coors Field. It makes Feltner's outing even more impressive, as he held a Brewers offense that put up 17 runs the night before to just one earned run in six innings to pick up a quality start. The 28-year-old didn't earn a win, but he allowed only three hits while walking two and striking out seven while being under the weather. We'd venture to guess that Feltner will be feeling better in time for his next outing, which is scheduled to come next Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite Feltner's gutsy performance on Thursday, we'd recommend avoiding him next time out against L.A. He's pitched well through three starts, though, posting a 2.81 ERA with 16 K's and four walks in 16 innings pitched.