Pitcher Tyler Kinley will be another test case for how serious the Colorado Rockies are about their shifted mindset and added to the Rockies’ issues on Monday in a 6-0 loss. The setback moved their road record to 12-32 as they lost their seventh straight game at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. 

Kinley allowed four earned runs in the eighth inning to spoil starter Ryan Feltner’s seven-inning start in his home state. The Rockies pushed Feltner’s outing back a day to allow him to pitch in front of family and friends, and more importantly, away from Coors Field where he’s struggled.

Kinley’s troubles have traveled with him.

He underwent right flexor tendon surgery in 2022 and hasn’t been the same pitcher since. Kinley earned the setup role in front of Daniel Bard — who also underwent season-ending flexor surgery this year — before the operation and carried a 0.75 earned run average in 25 appearances.

A lengthy rehab process led to a 6.06 ERA in 18 games last year before it ballooned to 7.78 this season through 39 appearances. His four-game scoreless streak came to a screeching halt on Monday thanks to a walk, three hits and a throwing error from the righty.

“He had a little momentum until tonight,” manager Bud Black said. “You can’t walk guys. Some things unfolded from there. It was a rough night for Tyler all around.”

Black has been clear about the team’s motivation in the second half of the season. The franchise is rebuilding and wants to find its core for the next era of Rockies baseball. Alan Trejo, Elehuris Montero and Dakota Hudson have been designated for assignment in recent weeks to make room for new faces.

Kinley’s contract runs through next season before Colorado’s club option in 2026 for $5 million. He’ll earn $3 million in 2025 as the roster’s highest-paid reliever sans Bard. Kinley began to share the bullpen’s leadership role last year.

But a large shadow looms in the minors.

Jaden Hill’s switch to a relief role has given his high-velocity fastball and intimidating stature new life on the mound. The 6-foot-4 hurler has a 4.11 ERA with Double-A Hartford that’s been elevated during a handful of bad outings — he has held opponents to one run or fewer in 22 of his 26 appearances with the Yard Goats and struck out 48 in 30 ⅔ innings.

Kinley played well in major-league camp during spring training and rose to No. 26 in the Rockies top-30 prospect rankings. Carson Palmquist struck out a franchise-record 13 hitters on July 5 and could be a left-handed bullpen option too. He showed strong signs in spring training.

Colorado’s moves have often come when players knocking on the door could no longer be contained. It’s helped when members of the major league roster have struggled.

Both are materializing for the Rockies’ bullpen as it looks to find a competent group.

Reds 6, Rockies 0

What Happened: Cincinnati starter Andrew Abbott’s seven shutout innings rendered Ryan Feltner’s outing moot before another bullpen implosion soiled the Rockies’ comeback chances.

On the mound: Feltner pitched in his hometown and allowed one earned run across seven innings on four hits and a season-high three walks. His error on a throw from Elias Díaz in the fourth inning added unearned damage. Tyler Kinley’s streak of four consecutive scoreless appearances came to a rocky end. He garnered just two eighth-inning outs and allowed four runs (two earned) after his throwing error cost the club too.

At the plate: Ryan McMahon had two of the club’s four hits as a designated hitter. His double was their only extra-base hit. Ezequiel Tovar extended his slump as part of the team’s woeful effort at hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark. He doesn’t have a hit in 28 July at-bats and added an 0-for-4 day to it on Monday. The Rockies had just four hits, two walks and nine strikeouts.

What’s next: Colorado Rockies (RHP Cal Quantrill, 6-6; 3.77) at Cincinnati Reds (RHP Frankie Montas, 4-6; 4.19) on Tuesday at 5:10 p.m. at Great American Ballpark (Rockies.TV).