Los Angeles — The comparisons are inevitable.
Rockies right-hander Eddie Butler and Jon Gray are good friends. Both have been tossed around by the major-league roller-coaster that all young pitchers must endure. Butler was a supplemental first-round draft pick in 2012 (46th overall), while Gray was the much-celebrated third-overall pick in 2013.
The Rockies are convinced that both have untapped talent and potential, but it’s Gray who’s flashing signs that he’ll be the club’s next bona fide ace. He sure looked the part in Colorado’s 10-3 victory at San Diego on Monday night, striking out a career-high 12 batters over seven splendid innings.