The Rockies have yet to win a home game in 2019. They hope to change that tonight as they bring a three-game winning streak against the (checks notes) first place Philadelphia Phillies.
The Phillies are are 11-6 on the young season and they have their offense to thank. They are averaging six runs per game (without playing a single game in Coors Field yet), third best in baseball. By park adjusted stats (110 wRC+, 98 DRC+), they are just a little bit above the middle of the pack. Their pitching has looked vulnerable, though, as they have allowed five runs per game as well. Zach Eflin, Thursday’s starter, carries a 3.94 ERA and 4.29 FIP into the game through three starts.
Hometown hero Kyle Freeland will try to regain the form he had on Opening Day in Miami. In his last three starts he owns a 7.34 ERA with a 1.91 WHIP and 18 strikeouts over 14 2⁄3 innings and has failed to pitch into the sixth. His last start against the Phillies came on August 4, 2017, when he was removed after nine pitches due to an injured left groin (he returned to the mound 10 days later).
Tonight also sees the return of David Dahl and Ryan McMahon to the lineup. The pair was re-instated from the injured list on Thursday while Yonathan Daza and Josh Fuentes were optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque. And, according to Thomas Harding, Daniel Murphy is making significant strides to getting back in the lineup as well.
Start time: 6:40 pm MT
Location: Coors Field, Denver CO
TV: AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain, MLB.tv
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)
Lineups:
#Rockies and #Phillies lineups game 1/4. David Dahl and Ryan McMahon reinstated and in the starting lineup. pic.twitter.com/xewe2CH515
— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) April 18, 2019