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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Today's <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Rockies&src=hash">#Rockies</a> lineup vs. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WhiteSox&src=hash">#WhiteSox</a>: Blackmon-CF Cuddy-RF CarGo-LF Rosario-C Morneau-1B Arenado-3B Culberson-SS LeMahieu-2B Nicasio-RHP</p>— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rockies/statuses/453943433171042304">April 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Troy Tulowitzki and his sore quadriceps are getting the day off, and with an off day tomorrow, that's 48 hours to rest and recuperate. Hopefully that clears up any issues, but the famously fragile short stop will be worrying Rockies fans every time he breaks out of the batter's box.
Other than the missing Tulo, it's the A lineup (although I can hardly think of a bigger downgrade, both offensively and defensively, than Charlie Culberson as the Tulo replacement. No offense Charlie, but those are big, frequently blood-soaked shoes you're filling).
Juan Nicasio looks to continue has strong start to the season, after cruising through seven innings his last time out, surrendering just one run. Nicasio's slider looked especially sharp five days ago, and with the split-finger fastball added to his repertoire, Juan might be ready to take the next step. It's too early to say, but his starts are now appointment viewing. He will be facing...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Today's starting lineup: <a href="http://t.co/OYzqJ7INTJ">pic.twitter.com/OYzqJ7INTJ</a></p>— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) <a href="https://twitter.com/whitesox/statuses/453935707870871552">April 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
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The fingers of doom!
White Sox hitting laid a major beat-down on Rockies pitching last night, so it would be particularly gratifying to see them get shut down this afternoon.
The South Siders are handing the game ball to someone named Erik Johnson. In his lone start this year he allowed seven runs in 4.1 innings pitched. This will be his seventh big league start total, so the Rockies have an opportunity to jump on a rookie.
*NOTE: with the optioning of Wilton Lopez and recall of Josh Rutledge, lineups might be subject to change.