Philadelphia Phillies Weekend Preview: Colorado Rockies
By Mike Lacy
A preview of the Philadelphia Phillies’ series against the Colorado Rockies
Despite the Philadelphia Phillies pulling out the third game of their series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, they’re not in a great place right now. They’ve already sent two members of the starting rotation to the disabled list, and it’s possible that Jeremy Hellickson may soon join them there.
What remains of the pitching staff will have their hands full as the Colorado Rockies bring their powerful lineup to Citizens Bank Park.
Colorado Rockies
Record: 55-59 (3rd place in National League West)
Manager: Walt Weiss
The last time they met
The Phillies and Rockies closed out the first half by splitting a four-game series. The combination of the thin Colorado air and a surprisingly hot offense allowed the Phils to average five runs per game for the series.
What’s the deal with the Rockies
The Rockies have had a good second half to play their way into fringe Wild Card contention. They have been fueled by their offense and have scored the most post-break runs in the National League. Unfortunately, their lineup suffered a major blow when Trevor Story suffered a thumb injury that will likely keep him out for the rest of the season.
Reason to hate the Rockies
Denver fans got to celebrate a Super Bowl in 2016. Seems like they’ve reached their quota of sports happiness for the year.
Rockies player who isn’t entirely horrible
Without Story, Nolan Arenado will have to carry the Rockies’ lineup. Based on his play so far this season, he seems up to the job. The slugging third baseman has already hit 30 home runs, and is on track to lead the league for the second straight year.
Rockies player who is horrible
Catcher Nick Hundley has slumped since the All-Star Break. He is batting only .191 with one home run in the second half.
Phillies player who has been hot lately
Aaron Altherr has made an impact since coming off the disabled list. Despite recovering from a wrist injury that tends to sap power, he’s hit three home runs in 13 games. He also seems to be supplanting Odubel Herrera as the team’s regular center fielder.
Reasons for optimism
The Rockies offense is unsurprisingly not as strong on the road. They’re only 11th in runs scored away from Coors Field.
Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez has been battling an ankle injury the past week and might have to miss some of the games. That would be another powerful bat missing from the Rockies’ lineup.
The Rockies’ pitchers are capable of giving up some runs. Like the hitters, the home-road stats are wide, but no matter how you look at it, it isn’t a very good pitching staff.
Reasons for pessimism
- Sunday’s starter will either be Adam Morgan or David Buchanan. Both pitchers have been in the big leagues before, and neither has had sustained success. Facing the Rockies is a tough way to welcome them back to the big leagues.
- With the starting pitchers frequently leaving games early, the bullpen is getting worn down. It feels like the number of dependable options has dwindled in recent weeks.
Tweet of importance
The Rockies have lost three games in three days to the Rangers where they led in the 8th. That's gotta sting.
— Adam J. Morris (@lonestarball) August 11, 2016
The Rockies’ bullpen has had some issues this week.
Prediction
The Phillies will win the opener, but then the starting pitchers will struggle the next two days as the Rockies take two out of three.