Dodgers Rockies Game One Preview

Following a pair of extra inning wins in Atlanta, the Dodgers open their series against the Colorado Rockies

It wasn’t pretty and we all would have preferred three blowouts, but the Dodgers won their fourth series of the season (out of five) and proved they could come from behind, albeit against a lesser team. The offense looked great in very short spurts but struggled for much of the series, and the starting pitching was a bit underwhelming, but the bullpen continued to be lights out.

Now, onto Satan’s Stadium, Coors Field. The elevation makes it hitter heaven and the Dodgers seem to always suffer numerous injuries up there. The Dodgers could lose every game this series 10-0, but if everyone returns to LA healthy, I’d be happy with it.

Scott Kazmir gets the ball for the Dodgers today. He was lights out in his Dodger debut in San Diego, but had two consecutive terrible starts against the Giants, and now has to pitch in Coors. He’s made one start in his career at Coors, and he went six innings and allowed four runs. This came in 2007 when Kazmir was a Ray, so it’s been a while.

Jon Gray gets the start for the Rockies. Gray is their second-ranked prospect on MLB.com and made nine starts for the Rockies last year, but began the 2016 season on the DL. Today will be his first start of the season after an underwhelming beginning to his career last season. In his nine starts, Gray went 0-2 last season and the Rockies went 1-8. Gray posted a 5.53 ERA/3.63 FIP, undoubtably victimized by his home stadium. Five of his starts came at Coors, and he allowed a .391/.426/.598 triple slash and a .434(!) BABIP in his home starts. In four road starts (including one at Dodger Stadium), Gray allowed a .225/.305/.338 triple slash and an ERA nearly six runs lower (8.27 at home, 2.70 on the road). Obviously small sample sizes (20 2/3 innings at home, 20 innings on the road), but Gray appeared to be a different pitcher at home.

The Dodgers will have to contend with a potent lineup led by all-world third baseman Nolan Arenado and rookie sensation Trevor Story. Story has been the talk of baseball through the first few weeks of the season, and RoxPile.com’s Kevin Henry came over to Dodgers’ Way to make his case for Story being the best rookie shortstop in the division.

Normal lineup against a righty. Nothing really of note here, except that Joc Pederson is back in the eighth spot. It’ll limit his ability to see good pitches to hit, but should allow him to draw walks.

Despite being sidelined since the Spring, Andre Ethier‘s became a 10-5 player today. By attaining 10 major league seasons, five of which coming for the same team, Ethier now possesses the power to veto any trade the Dodgers try to pull off involving him. I would have lost a TON of money betting on Ethier being traded before his 10-5 kicked in, so it’s a good thing I don’t gamble.

First pitch is scheduled for 5:40 PST and will be shown on Sportsnet LA.