Antonio Senzatela

Antonio Senzatela Rondon

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 245 lb.

• Debut April 6, 2017

• Born January 21, 1995 in Valencia, Carabobo Venezuela

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Biographical Information

Antonio Senzatela was the Pitcher of the Year in the California League in 2015 when he went 9-9, 2.51 for the Modesto Nuts while striking 143 batters in 154 innings in a league very favorable to hitters. That followed a 2014 season during which he had gone 15-2, 3.12 for the Asheville Tourists in the South Atlantic League. However, he then experienced arm problems in 2016 and was limited to 7 starts for the Hartford Yard Goats of the Eastern League, going 4-1, 1.82. He had signed with the Colorado Rockies out of his native Venezuela on July 8, 2011 before beginning his pro career with the DSL Rockies in 2012 at age 17.

In spite of his limited experience above Class A, Antonio made the Rockies' opening day roster in 2017 and got the ball to make his debut on April 6th, starting against the Milwaukee Brewers. He did very well, giving up no runs on 2 hits in 5 innings, but ended up with a no-decision. He registered his first big league win in his next start, on April 11th, when he pitched 7 innings in a 3-2 win over the San Diego Padres, after giving up a homer to Manuel Margot to lead off the game. After the game, he said that he would be taking the game ball to his mother's grave in Venezuela, paying tribute to her after she had passed away from cancer the previous July. He went 3-1, 2.81 in April to be named the National League's Rookie of the Month. On Mother's Day, May 14th, he notched his 6th win of the year, tying him for the major league lead, when he defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers, 9-6. He continued to pitch well, with another great start on May 26th, with 8 scoreless innings in a 10-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. At that point, he was 7-1 for the team with the best record in the NL. However, he began to struggle after that blazing start. He won 2 of his next 4 starts, but allowed 15 runs in 21 1/3 innings, then was beaten up for 9 runs in 5 innings in a loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 22nd, increasing his ERA to 4.79. With the return of Jon Gray from the disabled list, he was moved to the bullpen and did alright, with one run allowed over 5 innings in 3 outings, but on July 8th, just before the All-Star break, he was sent down to the AAA Albuquerque Isotopes so he could take a breather from the major league grind and get back in top form for a likely return later in the season.

Notable Achievements

• 2015 Pitcher of the Year California League Modesto Nuts

Related Sites

• Antonio Senzatela on mlb.com