Colorado Rockies pitcher Jorge De La Rosa makes his first start of this season against the San Diego Padres

The Rockies finally fell back to earth after a rude awakening in Los Angeles which featured a three game sweep by the Dodgers and a Sunday shutout. The Rockies will try to bounce back as they open a four-game set against the San Diego Padres. Jorge De La Rosa, who began the year on the disabled list, will make his first start of the season.

De La Rosa suffered a groin injury during spring training and has spent the last few weeks rehabbing with the Rockies' Triple-A team, the Albuquerque Isotopes. De La Rosa made two starts with the Isotopes, allowing three runs while striking out seven and walking three over nine innings. De La Rosa has a 45-14 record at Coors Field, so the team should be glad to have him make his first start of the season at home.

The Padres, who have carried a weak offense over the years, will not be doing so tonight. De La Rosa will have to face the likes of Justin Upton, Wil Myers, and Matt Kemp. Kemp has a .322 batting average with 14 home runs off of De La Rosa in his career.

The Rockies lineup is stacked as usual. Corey Dickerson will be hitting second, with Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez, Nolan Arenado, and Justin Morneau to follow. I can't think of a scarier 2-5 in a lineup.

The Rockies face Padres hurler Odrisamer Despaigne, who is currently filling in for the injured Ian Kennedy. Despaigne has made one start against the Rockies, throwing seven shutout innings while striking out eight and walking two.

Tonight's game will be televised on ROOT and broadcast on 850 KOA.