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Rockies vs. Indians Preview: Jordan Lyles still battling for rotation spot

Jordan Lyles and the Rockies will take on Corey Kluber and the Indians in an away game this afternoon. Here are some things to know before game time.

By Jeff Aberle

The MLB regular season has begun Down Under, but over here in the left upper quadrant of the world it's still spring training for another week. The Rockies will play two games at the same time in Cactus League action, so we'll be running one game thread today to discuss both + basketball. MARCH MADNESS.

Here are three things to know about this afternoon's game:

1. How to experience (besides hanging out here)?

For this game, it's just going to be Gameday, which can be found at THIS LINK.

2. Who are the starting pitchers?

Jordan Lyles is the man on the mound, still trying to differentiate himself from Franklin Morales in the bid to replace Jhoulys Chacin's production for the first month plus of the season. From a performance standpoint this spring Lyles probably has the edge, but Morales's options situation (as in, he has none) complicate matters in his favor.

The Indians will put forth Corey Kluber, who produced 1.4 rWAR last year in 147 innings for Cleveland serving as the team's 4th starter.

3. Lineups

Rockies

Colorado has two games today, so it's not surprising that about half of this group will be in the MLB starting lineup. Only Adam Ottavino is guaranteed a roster spot among the pitchers available for this game.

Indians

Cleveland will be using an Opening Day-caliber lineup in this one with the exception of their outfield.

Let's hope that the result of this game will be different than the result of last night's blowout against Cleveland. The combined game thread will be posted at 2 MDT.

So who you got in the rotation battle?

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