Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland exits vs. Dodgers with neck injury

Field Level Media|published: 08/19/2026, 10:42pm EDT

Aug 19, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland (21) reacts after leaving the mound in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Colorado Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland left Wednesday night's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning with an injury the Rockies described as "neck tightness."

Freeland grabbed at his lower back after delivering a pitch to Los Angeles catcher Ben Rortvedt, who flew out to right on the play. A trainer and manager Warren Schaeffer came to the mound, and Freeland was removed from the game with the Rockies trailing 4-0.

Freeland allowed four runs on six hits and struck out five in 3 2/3 innings.

It continued a tough season for Colorado's longest-tenured player. Freeland entered his start 4-10 with a 6.27 ERA but has been strong in August, going 2-0 and tossing the first complete game of his 10-year career.

--Field Level Media