Colorado Rockies Game 56 Preview: Zack Greinke vs. Jhoulys Chacin

Both the Colorado Rockies (12-16) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (10-17) are very happy to put May in their rear-view mirror. The main difference is that the Rockies were expected to be closer to the Dodgers' 23-30 record by now, while LA was supposed to be leading the NL West. The teams will kick off June on a sunny day in Denver with what promises to be an intriguing pitching battle.

Pitching Match-up

Opponent pitcher - Zack Greinke

Greinke, the 2009 Cy Young winner and recent recipient of a 6 year, $147 million deal in free agency, has had his first season in LA derailed somewhat by the rage of Carlos Quentin, whose mound-charging hi-jinks left the right-hander with an injured shoulder.

On the whole, the 2013 version of Greinke has been less effective (in a small sample size) than his career averages, particularly in K rate (6.2/9, career 8.0/9) - though his 2.94 FIP suggests that Greinke has gotten a little unlucky so far this season. Alas, FIP is not a stat that counts in my fantasy league.

Rockies pitcher - Jhoulys Chacin

After a rocky couple of starts coming off his short DL stint, Chacin really seemed to round into form against the Astros, going seven strong innings and striking out nine batters. Hopefully this signals a return to Chacin's excellent April form. Interestingly, Chacin's FIP (2.93) is basically the same as Greinke's so far this season.

Line-ups

Dodgers:

#Dodgers lineup at Colorado:Crawford LFM Ellis 2BGonzalez 1BEthier RFHairston 3BSchumaker CFPunto SSFederowicz CGreinke P #whiff

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 1, 2013

Rockies:

#Rockies 6/1 vs. LAD: Fowler 8, LeMahieu 4, CarGo 7, Tulo 6, Cuddy 9, Helton 3, Arenado 5, Torrealba 2, Chacin 1.

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) June 1, 2013

With the exception of Yorvit Torrealba playing for Wilin Rosario, this is Colorado's A lineup against right-handed pitching. As Kevin pointed out in his article today though, it might be a good idea to hit Michael Cuddyer in the second slot in the line-up to get some more guys on base for Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki to knock home.

Game Info

Time: 2:10 PM MDT

TV: ROOT

MLB Gameday Link.

For the other side of the story, visit True Blue LA.