Dodgers: The Preferred NLDS Matchup Between Arizona and Colorado

Starting Rotations

When it comes to starting pitching, the Diamondbacks hold a distinct advantage over the Rockies. Not only do they have the better known starting pitchers, but statistically they are a lot better.

The Dbacks rank 2nd in the Major Leagues behind only the Dodgers with a 3.60 ERA. The Rockies, on the other hand, are middle of the pack at 15th with a 4.61 ERA from their starting rotation.

While Coors Field is the most pronounced hitters’ park, Chase Field is not too far behind, which makes the Dbacks’ starting pitching that more impressive.

Let’s take a look at how each team has fared against the Dodgers this season:

Rockies – 4.50 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 9.1 K/9 IP

Dbacks – 3.61 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 9.4 K/9 IP

Overall, the Dbacks have allowed almost one less run per game against the Dodgers than the Rockies have. Both teams have a high strikeout ratio against, which isn’t surprising since both are loaded with hard-throwing pitchers.

The Diamondbacks have the rotation that gives the Dodgers fits.  Robbie Ray has been the chief nemesis, boasting a 2.27 ERA in 31.2 innings scattered across five starts along with a ridiculous 53 strikeouts (an unfathomable 15.1 K/9).

In fact, the Dbacks’ projected playoff rotation of Greinke, Ray, Walker and Godley all have ERAs under four against the Dodgers this season.

The one advantage the Dodgers do have is that whoever advances to face LA will not be able to use their number one starter until Game Two or Three. That means more against the Diamondbacks since their ace Zack Greinke is the man who will get the ball in the one-game Wild Card playoff.

This means the Dodgers would have to go against Robbie Ray Game One, but Los Angeles would have Kershaw on the mound and then they could possibly be up 2-0 before Greinke gets to toe the rubber for the Diamondbacks. The Rockies are built more on overall depth of mediocre depth, so it doesn’t matter who they choose for the wild-card game.