Colorado Rockies right‑hander Tomoyuki Sugano returned from a stint on the injured list with back spasms to start Saturday against Elly De La Cruz and the Cincinnati Reds. Sugano had been placed on the 15‑day IL earlier this month because of a balky back and a fingernail issue, his first IL stint in his MLB career. The Japanese standout also dealt with an elbow problem while with the Yomiuri Giants in 2023.

He is 8‑4 with a 4.80 ERA in his first season with Colorado, having joined the Rockies after a season with Baltimore. Manager Warren Schaeffer said, “I think we’ll see vintage Tomo Sugano today. Just looking for more of the same out of Tomo – a professional start, give us a chance to win.”

Sugano faced the Reds on April 29 and earned the win by throwing 5 1/3 scoreless innings. He is 3‑0 over three starts against NL Central teams this season with a 2.20 ERA.

The Rockies also placed right‑hander Jeff Criswell on the 15‑day IL with a strained right shoulder, adding to the team’s injury concerns.