Monday kicks off a three-game set between National League West rivals, the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Both teams are completely out of it in the National League West, but Arizona is still kind of alive in the Wild Card. Meanwhile, the Rockies are toast currently sitting at 57-67.
The Rockies needed a big August to get back into the race, and they have stumbled to a 7-8 record this month. Similarly, the Diamondbacks could have used a good month to get closer to the Wild Card, but they have gone .500 in 16 games. These teams are pretty evenly matched, and the record shows. The Rockies have come out on top thus far, but only with a 9-7 record versus Arizona.
Probable Pitchers
For the Rockies, Chi Chi Gonzalez will get the start (while already having one of the best names in baseball) for the sixth time this season. Gonzalez is currently 0-4 with a 6.57 earned run average. Gonzalez has not shown that he’s a quality major league pitcher so far in his career, despite being a former first-round pick. His K/9 is only 5.84, while his BB/9 is 5.11. That’s just straight-up absolutely terrible.
His last start came on Aug. 10 against the San Diego Padres. He went five innings where he gave up five earned runs while striking out three and walking two. That usually what you can expect from Gonzalez if his 2019 season is any indicator. He’ll give you five innings, albeit mediocre innings, and you just hope he doesn’t lose you the game. Because he certainly isn’t going to win the game for you.
For the Diamondbacks, Zac Gallen will get the ball for his 10th start of the season. Gallen has actually been pretty terrific this season across his stints with both the Miami Marlins and Arizona Diamondbacks. He’s 2-3 but has a 2.58 earned run average.
His walks are a little worrisome so far, with a 4.37 earned run average. But, his strikeouts have been so terrific that it hasn’t hurt him too much. In seven of his nine starts this season, he has struck out five batters or more. Gallen has even been terrific in his losses, where he has a 3.12 ERA in those three games.
Gallen has also been pretty stellar since coming to the Rockies via the Marlins in two games. He’s 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA since coming to Arizona, and even holding his own in his first start at Coors Field.
Batters To Watch
Ketel Marte is having a breakout season for the Diamondbacks, batting .320 with 25 home runs and 71 runs batted in. In a three-game series against the Rockies last week, Marte went 5-for-15 with two doubles and three runs scored.
Trevor Story is having yet another stellar season for the Rockies, batting over .290 for the second straight season. He also has 28 home runs and 71 RBI. He has hits in 14 of his last 15 games including six home runs and 13 runs batted in.
The Pick
Gonzalez is not a good pitcher. Gallen has shown that he has a legit chance to be a solid starter in this league. His strikeouts are legit. Take the Diamondbacks in this one.
