Rockies GM calls out inconsistent Jon Gray: 'We need him to step up'

Colorado Rockies right-hander Jon Gray has shown flashes of brilliance and ace-caliber stuff throughout his young big-league career, but his inconsistent performances this season appear to have gotten under the skin of general manager Jeff Bridich.

"When he's been good, he's been really good. When he's been bad, it's been tough to watch," Bridich told Jon Morosi of MLB.com about the 26-year-old who Colorado selected third overall in the 2013 draft.

"We need him to step up. This is his third full season at this level. There are still lessons he's learning. But he's no longer a young kid in this league, at this level. He needs to step up, and we need to help him find a way to become more consistent."

Gray has struggled through an up-and-down 2018 campaign thus far, dominating at times but posting subpar numbers overall (5.66 ERA, 1.51 WHIP). As a unit, the Rockies' starting pitchers rank 22nd in both ERA and WHIP across MLB, and a big reason for that has been Gray's down year.

Bridich also suggested the hard-throwing hurler - who's just eight months removed from starting the NL wild-card game against the Arizona Diamondbacks - could be demoted if his struggles continue, although likely as a last resort.

"I'm not sure there's a ton left for him - if anything - (to learn) at the Triple-A level," the GM said. "If at some point it becomes obvious he would need a mental breather, physical breather, or both, that would be an option. But the hurdles are here. He's got to figure this out at this level. That's just the way it is. It's where he's at in his career."