It’s been a weird week of travel for the Colorado Rockies. They had a Thursday off in the first week of the second half, played a three game set in The Good Land against the Brew Crew, and after having yesterday off it’s time for a bizarre two-game series against the San Diego Padres.
The Rockies are visiting the Swingin’ Friars in an awkward spot. The Rockies are right where they were expected to be: comfortably in the basement of the National League West but instrumentally improved compared to last
season. the Padres, however, are under-performing against expectations. Sitting at .500 coming into this evening, San Diego would not be in the playoffs should the season suddenly end. They’re a full 14 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the division.
Tonight’s pitching matchup is a battle of the Michaels. On the mound for the Rockies is Michael Lorenzen, who’s name has recently popped up in trade speculation. After a very disappointing start to the season, the right-handed journeyman pitcher has leveled out over the last few weeks. Lorenzen has gone at least five innings and given up two or fewer earned runs in six of his last eight starts. However, his last time out was a rough one. Against the high-powered bats of the Washington Nationals, Lorenzen lasted just 3.2 innings and gave up six earned runs on seven hits—two of which were home runs—despite striking out five batters. He has tallied at least five strikeouts in ten of his 22 starts this season.
On the bump for the Dads is right-handed veteran Michael King. Now in his third season with the Padres, King is enjoying a very successful season so far. His ERA sits at just 3.24 and he’s worth 3.1 wins above replacement per Baseball Reference over 21 starts with 103 strikeouts. In his last four starts, King has thrown three quality starts and has given up more than one earned run just once.
King has surprisingly little experience against the Rockies. He’s made four appearances—three of which were starts—and pitched 20 innings against them during his career. In those appearances he has a 5.40 ERA with 24 strikeouts and three home runs allowed.
His primary pitch combo is a low-90s sinker paired with a changeup that he uses to induce whiffs. King also throws a sweeper, a slider, and a four-seam fastball.
First Pitch: 7:40 pm MDT
TV: Rockies TV
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)
Padres SB Nation site: Gaslamp Ball
Lineups:
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