Senzatela returns from Tommy John surgery, pitches 3 innings in first Rockies start in 16 months

DENVER (AP) — Antonio Senzatela returned to a big league mound for the first time in 16 months, flashing solid form at times but also showing some rust.

The 29-year-old Rockies right-hander allowed two runs and four hits in three-plus innings during Colorado's 3-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night.

“I’m super happy for myself,” Senzatela said. “I just want to say thank you to everybody who supported me during this long year, my teammates, my family, my trainers, my coaches. It didn’t start very well but it is what it is. I tried to to keep the game there for the team and at the end of the day we got a win and that’s all that matters.”

Senzatela’s 2022 season was cut short when he tore his left ACL on Aug. 18 during a game at St. Louis when he took a bad step rushing to cover first base on an infield grounder.

He returned last year and pitched on May 5 and 10, leaving the second start with a strained right elbow. He later was diagnosed with a torn UCL and had Tommy John surgery on July 26.

Senzatela struck out two and walked two against the Diamondbacks. He threw 42 of 67 pitches for strikes and averaged 95 mph with 39 fastballs. He also threw 15 sliders, eight changeups and five curveballs,

Corbin Carroll tripled leading off and Ketel Marte followed with a home run to straightaway center field. Senzatela shook off the rough start by retiring five straight and nine of his next 11 batters.

“He looked really good,” catcher Hunter Goodman said. “That first inning, he made a mistake but he came right back firing, wasn’t afraid to throw the fastball. By the second and third inning he was pounding the zone and hitting spots, throwing off speed in there for strikes. It was really good..”

Senzatela made five minor league starts during a rehab assignment ahead of his return.

“It’s really been a couple of years since he’s felt as good as he feels now,” Rockies manager Bud Black said before the game. “I think he’s in a really good spot here to make this start and make a couple more and go into the offseason feeling great.”

AP MLB: https://www.apnews.com/hub/MLB

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela, front right, is greeted by relief pitchers headed to the bullpen before Senzatela, who is making his first start since Tommy John surgery, takes the mound to face the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela works against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela takes of his cap as he heads to the dugout after bing pulled from the mound in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela heads to the dugout after being pulled form the mound in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

ROME (AP) — Roma fired coach Daniele De Rossi on Wednesday in a move that was surprising despite the Giallorossi going winless in their opening four Italian league matches.

Ivan Jurić, who formerly coached Genoa, Hellas Verona and Torino, was hired to replace De Rossi.

De Rossi, a former Roma captain, was hired in January to replace the fired Jose Mourinho and impressed so much during the second half of last season that he was given a contract extension in June through 2026-27.

“The club’s decision is made in the best interests of the team, to get back on the desired path as soon as possible at a time when the season is still in its early stages,” Roma said in a statement. “A heartfelt thank you to Daniele, who will always be at home at the Giallorossi club, for the work done in recent months with passion and dedication.”

Roma added that “communication regarding the team’s technical guidance will follow.”

Roma hosts Serie A leader Udinese on Sunday.

Jurić, who signed a contract until the end of the season, coached Torino the last three seasons, leading the club to 10th-place finishes in his first two campaigns and ninth place last season.

It's the first coaching change in Serie A this season.

After opening with a scoreless draw at Cagliari, Roma was beaten 2-1 at home by Empoli. Draws at Juventus (0-0) and Genoa (1-1) followed — leaving Roma with only three points and in 16th place.

De Rossi had transformed Roma into a better attacking unit than Mourinho’s defensive teams but this season has produced only two goals.

Next week, Roma opens its Europa League campaign against Athletic Bilbao at the Olimpico.

Romelu Lukaku’s loan spell at Roma ended after last season but talented striker Paulo Dybala stayed with the club after considering a move to Saudi Arabia.

Roma’s American owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin have often made surprising decisions.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

FILE - Roma's head coach Daniele De Rossi calls out to his players during the Europa League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between AC Milan and Roma at the San Siro Stadium, in Milan, Italy, Thursday, April 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File)

FILE - Roma manager Daniele De Rossi speaks to his team during a Serie A soccer match against Atalanta at Gewiss Stadium, in Bergamo, Italy, Sunday, May 12, 2024. (Spada/LaPresse via AP, File)

FILE - Roma's head coach Daniele De Rossi waits for the start of the Europa League second leg semi-final soccer match between Leverkusen and Roma at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, Thursday, May 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)