Rockies' Feltner Looks to Build on Strong Start Against Astros

Colorado right-hander Ryan Feltner will make his scheduled start after taking a line drive off his hip in his previous outing.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:22pm

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Colorado Rockies right-hander Ryan Feltner will make his scheduled start against the Houston Astros on Monday night, despite taking a line drive off his hip in his previous outing. Feltner, who missed four months in 2023 after suffering a fractured skull, looked sharp in his three scoreless innings against the Blue Jays, giving up only one hit and one walk while striking out four. The Rockies will look to Feltner to help them earn their first winning streak of the season, while the Astros will counter with right-hander Cody Bolton as they deal with the loss of ace Hunter Brown to a shoulder injury.

Why it matters

Feltner's ability to bounce back from his previous injury and continue his strong start to the season will be crucial for the Rockies as they try to build momentum and compete in the NL West. The Astros, meanwhile, will need to find a way to replace the production of their injured ace as they look to maintain their early-season success.

The details

Feltner took a line drive off his hip in his first start of the season against the Blue Jays on Tuesday, leaving the game after three innings with tightness in his right glute. However, he will not miss any playing time and will make his scheduled start against the Astros. Feltner, who suffered a fractured skull in 2023 when he was hit by a line drive, looked sharp in his previous outing, giving up only one hit and one walk while striking out four. The Rockies will be hoping Feltner can build on that performance and help them earn their first winning streak of the season.

  • Feltner suffered a fractured skull on May 13, 2023 when he was hit by a line drive.
  • Feltner made two starts in September 2023 after missing four months due to the injury.
  • Feltner made 30 starts for the Rockies in 2024, but injuries limited him to only six outings last season.
  • Feltner took a line drive off his hip in his first start of the 2026 season on April 4.

The players

Ryan Feltner

A right-handed pitcher for the Colorado Rockies who is making his scheduled start against the Astros after taking a line drive off his hip in his previous outing.

Cody Bolton

The right-handed pitcher for the Houston Astros who will start against the Rockies in the series opener.

Hunter Brown

The Astros' ace who was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain and will miss the series against the Rockies.

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros, who will need to find a way to replace the production of the injured Hunter Brown.

Hunter Goodman

The catcher for the Colorado Rockies, who was impressed with Feltner's performance in his previous start.

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What they’re saying

“He pitched awesome. He had command of all of his pitches. That was the best I have seen him throw this year, including spring training. I'm excited for his next few outings. I think he can build momentum off those.”

— Hunter Goodman, Catcher, Colorado Rockies

“He's disappointed. Never been injured, and this is new for all of us, so we'll see. He didn't sound concerned, which is good. But also, it's new, right, so we're going to let the doctors evaluate him and then we'll see where we go from there.”

— Joe Espada, Manager, Houston Astros

What’s next

The Rockies will be hoping that Feltner can build on his strong start and help them earn their first winning streak of the season, while the Astros will need to find a way to replace the production of the injured Hunter Brown as they look to maintain their early-season success.

The takeaway

Feltner's ability to bounce back from his previous injury and continue his strong start to the season will be crucial for the Rockies as they try to compete in the NL West. The Astros, meanwhile, will need to find a way to replace the production of their injured ace as they look to maintain their early-season success.