MILWAUKEE — The standings say one thing, the rotation screams another. The Rockies can’t call themselves a contender if they continue running out a staff that features three guys who spent large chunks of this season in Triple-A.
Manager Clint Hurdle acknowledged as much after Thursday’s 11-1 flogging by the Milwaukee Brewers left the Rockies 7 1/2 games behind the Diamondbacks.
“We need better,” said Hurdle, running his hand through hair that appeared grayer after the latest chapter in Jorge De La Rosa’s Jekyll-and-Hyde career.
The Rockies, who begin a three-game road series against the Mets tonight, aren’t buried because they reside in a division with five teams sinking in quicksand. But any hope of a second consecutive meaningful September rests largely on improved mound work.
Kip Wells will join the rotation after the all-star break following final rehab starts today and Wednesday, replacing De La Rosa, Mark Redman or, less likely, Glendon Rusch. Jeff Francis, out with a shoulder injury, won’t be far behind. The opening-day ace is expected to throw a side session in New York this weekend, leaving him in line for a brief rehab assignment during the all-star break if he continues his current level of progress.
The Rockies’ rotation has been a major disappointment, posting a 5.27 ERA, compared to 4.58 last season.
“It’s where every team starts; the rotation has to be strong to have a chance. That’s the main ingredient to every contender, winner, however you want to put it,” said Matt Holliday, who extended his hitting streak to 14 games.
“We have had it at times, but I don’t know that it has been consistent enough.”
This isn’t to suggest that the hitters shouldn’t share blame. The numbers with runners in scoring position have gone from horrifying to just ugly — .245. They are hitting .261 overall, a far cry from the .277 average at the break a year ago.
And yet when the pitching keeps them in games, they seem to find a way to win, particularly of late. So the onus on the rotation to improve is enormous.
“It’s the most important part of every team,” said Ubaldo Jimenez, who is finding his stride. “Hopefully, we will do better.”
Francis is critical to a renaissance. When right, he can run off a string of victories. He is 3-7 with a 5.67 ERA.
“I think we are capable of (pitching our way back into the race),” Francis said. “Speaking for myself, I haven’t done what I expected.”
De La Rosa, following his pattern, followed up a strong effort with a clunker Thursday. He recorded only 11 outs before giving up seven runs.
Regardless of who pitched Thursday, the Rockies might not have won. They were reduced to mannequins by Milwaukee’s Dave Bush, who recorded a career-high 13 strikeouts with a sneaky fastball and brilliant curveball.
“He was throwing all his pitches for strikes and never left anything up,” Garrett Atkins said. “We took two here, so now we need to finish this trip out strong.”
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
