Jeff Francis has struggled mightily in his last three starts after beginning the season on a positive note. Francis, the Rockies most dependable pitcher last season, will have better conditions this time out.
Sub-freezing temperatures may have affected Francis and the defense behind him the last two starts, but there will be no such excuse Saturday night in Arizona where the forecast calls for the game time temperature to be at 94 degrees. Francis is pitching on three days' rest as the Rockies had to change the rotation due to Tuesday's doubleheader.
It may be too early to say, but Francis might be fighting for a chance to stay in the rotation given his struggles and the success of Pomeranz in triple-A.
For the Diamondbacks lefty Wade Miley(2-0) takes the hill. Miley finished second in the NL Cy Young voting last year and has gotten off to a strong start this year. Miley has gone at least six innings and given up no more then three runs in his first four starts this season.
Lineups:
Colorado
1. Dexter Fowler CF
2. Jordan Pacheco 1B
3. Carlos Gonzalez LF
4. Troy Tulowitzki SS
5. Michael Cuddyer RF
6. Wilin Rosario C
7. Josh Rutledge 2B
8. Chris Nelson 3B
9. Jeff Francis P
Arizona
1. Martin Prado 3B
2. A.J. Pollock CF
3. Paul Goldschmidt 1B
4. Miguel Montero C
5. Cody Ross LF
6. Gerrardo Para RF
7. Josh Wilson 2B
8. Cliff Pennington SS
9. Wade Miley P
Go Rockies!