Well, we’re finally within the final three games of the year. A long MLB baseball season rapidly approaches its end as the Rockies begin their final series of 2021, and they’ll try to end on a positive note in Arizona against the Diamondbacks.
In what could potentially be his final start in a Rockies uniform, Jon Gray (8-12, 4.28 ERA) will face a Diamondbacks team that has hit him hard before. The right-hander owns a career 5.17 ERA versus Arizona, and has given up 105 hits in 94 innings pitched (leading to a tough 10.05 H/9). He does miss a fair amount of bats, though, striking out 84 as well. His last start (on Saturday against the Giants) was not his best, as he allowed four runs in his 4 2⁄3 innings, mostly hurt by two separate Brandon Belt home runs. He’ll try to keep the ball in the yard and set the Rockies up for success on Friday.
(it is worth noting that Jon Gray has expressed interest in staying in Colorado - whether that will happen remains to be seen).
The Diamondbacks, trying to stave off the Rockies, will counter with Humberto Castellanos (2-2, 4.28 ERA). The 23-year-old righty is making his seventh start of the season, after spending some time in Arizona’s bullpen and at their Triple-A affiliate Reno Aces. He’s allowed 39 hits in his 40 innings of work this season, so Colorado will more than likely have opportunities to jump on the youngster and put themselves up early. If they do, it’ll be the first runs allowed by Castellanos - he’s pitched four total scoreless innings against the Rockies.
In their lone game versus Castellanos, Charlie Blackmon, Elías Díaz, Trevor Story, and Ryan McMahon are all 1-for-2. Everyone else in the Rockies lineup is hitless. For the Snakes, some have seen Gray very well. Christian Walker is hitting .333 in his 21 ABs, while Ketel Marte’s rocking a .370 average in 27 tries. David Peralta is hitting a scorching .407 in 37 at-bats - look for him to make an impact again on Friday as Arizona tries to avoid losing their 110th game.
First Pitch: 7:40 P.M. MDT
TV: AT&T Sports Net Rocky Mountain; MLB Network;
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)
Lineups:
The last series of 2021 starts tonight
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) October 1, 2021
Here's the Starting Nine vs. the D-Backs! pic.twitter.com/b16wep7Nu5
Game 160. #RattleOn pic.twitter.com/erJMMr2566
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) October 1, 2021