The Diamondbacks dropped two of three games in Colorado last weekend but return to Chase Field looking for a little revenge in a four-game series with the Rockies.
The Rockies have been one of the early season surprises in baseball, starting out 14-7 to lead the NL West. That start might not last, but it's nonetheless impressive with first-year manager Walt Weiss at the helm.
The D-backs, meanwhile have been inconsistent in the early going. Since starting out 5-1, they have gone 7-8, in part due to recent bullpen struggles.
Pitching matchups: Thursday -- RHP Trevor Cahill (0-3, 3.60 ERA) vs. LHP Jorge De La Rosa (2-1, 2.82). Friday -- RHP Brandon McCarthy (0-2, 7.06) vs. RHP Juan Nicasio (2-0, 5.31). Saturday -- LHP Wade Miley vs. LHP Jeff Francis (1-2, 8.44). Sunday -- LHP Patrick Corbin (2-0, 1.71) vs. RHP Jon Garland (2-1, 4.68)
Who's hot for the D-backs: First baseman Paul Goldschmidt stayed hot on the team's nine-game road trip. Starting eight of those, Goldschmidt went 10 for 33 with six RBI, two home runs, a double and six walks. He now owns a .329 batting average and .426 on-base percentage. ... Left-hander Patrick Corbin has been lights-out in four starts this season, but he didn't get a win from either of his two starts on the road trip. In those games he combined for 14 1/3 innings and three runs allowed on eight hits and 14 strikeouts. He owns a 1.71 ERA, putting him among the top 10 in the National League. ... Rookie Didi Gregorius, called up during the road trip, has gone 10 for 25 with five runs scored, two RBI, two home runs and four doubles.
Who's not hot for the D-backs: Catcher Miguel Montero is still waiting for his bat to come around this season. That much was clear amid a dismal road trip that saw Montero go 4 for 32 (.125) with three RBI and a double. Montero is hitting .194 with 10 RBI, one home run and a .295 on-base percentage. ... Closer J.J. Putz blew two saves in three chances on the road trip, allowing a home run in each appearance. ... Shortstop Cliff Pennington returns to Chase Field in a funk, having gone 1 for 22 on the road trip.
Who's hot for the Rockies: On Colorado's nine-game home stand, which was more than once interrupted by snow postponements, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez swung a hot bat, going 10 for 33 (.303) with six RBI and five extra-base hits. ... Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has been hot much of the season, and despite going just 7 for 27 (.259) on the Rockies' homestand, he added six RBI and three home runs to bring his season totals to 17 and six, respectively. ... Thursday starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa currently has a streak of 17 straight scoreless innings over his last three starts. He won his last two, combining for 12 scoreless innings on just four hits.
Who's not hot for the Rockies: After opening the season with a strong outing, Saturday staring pitcher Jeff Francis has a 12.60 ERA over his last three starts, none of which lasted more than 4 1/3 innings.
Notes, quotes, odds and ends: Rockies first baseman Todd Helton has missed four straight games with a strained left forearm. The lingering injury could reportedly land him on the disabled list. ... D-backs infielder Willie Bloomquist, sidelined since late in spring training with an oblique strain, tweeted Wednesday he was slated to play five innings of defense and take batting practice Thursday, presumably at the team's spring training facility. ... The D-backs have won 12 of their last 18 home games against the Rockies.
