Author’s note: Earlier this season, Purple Row began a series exploring how Spanish-speaking players learn about English and American culture while working their way through the Colorado Rockies system. English instructor Dr. Paul Worley asked if we would interview some of this students to allow them to practice their English, and we were happy to agree.
The following interview with Francis Rivera is one of those interviews. Francis did have some of the questions in advance so that he could practice
with his teacher, though some unexpected questions were asked during the course of the conversation.
At Purple Row, we believe these interviews are important for two reasons. First, they help players develop skills they will use later. Second, we’re committed to providing more information about players in the Rockies farm system. Too often, Spanish-speaking players are reduced to their baseball statistics. We’re interested in helping provide a fuller picture.
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Francis Rivera, a right-handed pitcher for the High-A Spokane Indians, has always loved baseball.
“I played baseball when I was like four or five years old,” Rivera said, “and I want to be in baseball for my whole life.”
Rivera, 25, grew up in a big family in his native Azua, Dominican Republic, and he has two uncles who were MLB players. Milciades Santa spent time in the Toronto Blue Jays system while Sergio Santa was in the St. Louis Cardinals system. He also grew up close to a baseball field, so it was natural that he quickly grew to love the game.
Although his uncles were position players, Rivera’s baseball career took a different track.
“I was position player when I was younger,” he said, noting that he played every position. “But when I was 17, I felt better on the mound. So that’s why I’m a pitcher right now.”
He signed with the Rockies on July 2, 2018, after attending a showcase in Santo Domingo where he got to attention of Martin Cabrera, a Rockies scout. Since then, Rivera’s been working his way through the Rockies system. In 2019, he made relief appearances with the DSL Rockies and tied for second-most appearances in the league. However, he did not pitch in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rivera got back on track in 2021 when he made 23 appearances with the ACL Rockies and DSL Colorado. During that time, he struck out 35 through 23.2 IP.
In 2022, he spent time with the ACL and Low-A Fresno where he had a combined 4-2 record with a 3.47 ERA in 36.1 IP. He logged a 1.32 ERA in 13.2 innings pitched, allowing two earned runs through his final 11 games of the season with the Grizzlies, holding opponents to .192/.269/.213.
However, 2023 found Rivera sidelined as he recovered from Tommy John surgery.
Like many other players who’ve gone through rehab, Rivera says of the experience, “It was boring.”
But he was back on the mound in 2024. That season, Rivera totaled 7.2 IP through eight appearances with the ACL Rockies. His progress continued in 2025 when made 35 relief appearances for the Indians. He went 3-2 with a 5.31 ERA in 39.0 IP.
Rivera has spent 2026 with Spokane as well. This year, he’s appeared in 28 games and has a 4.03 ERA (1.17 WHIP).
During the first half of the season with Spokane, Rivera had a 4.68 ERA in 25.0 IP; in the second half, however, that has improved to a 3.42 ERA in 26.1 IP.
Currently, he likes how his four-seamer is working.
“My fastball is really good right now,” Rivera said. “It’s getting a little harder, so I feel more comfortable.” His intention for the rest of the season is to continue working to improve his velocity.
He’s also pleased with his slider though it’s evolved a bit this season.
“When last year ended the season, (my slider) was really nasty,” Rivera said, “and beginning the season in spring training, they changed my grip a little bit.” However, he’s returned to his original grip.
And he likes his slider because he is confident he can throw it in any count.
But back to Rivera’s Tommy John rehab.
During that period when he had plenty of time on his hands, Rivera focused on two things.
First, he worked on his English, and he would encourage his fellow language learners not be discouraged, even though the work is challenging.
“If you want to do it, you can do it,” Rivera said. “If you want to learn, if you want practice, if you want to be better, you just want to be consistent and practice.”
Then he added, “I know it’s hard, a different language, but if you want to learn, you can learn.”
Second, he worked on his cooking, specifically making Dominican food and mangú, his speciality.
If Francis Rivera could tell Rockies fans anything, it would be this: “I love baseball. It’s my passion. It’s everything for me.”
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Background favorite baseball player is Edwin Diaz. And favorite food is chicken and rice.
