LOS ANGELES — The playoff picture came into focus Saturday. Say Cheese(steak).
The Rockies are returning to Philadelphia, where their 2007 magical playoff run began. The teams are not much different than they were back then, save for the fact that the Phillies are the defending World Series champion.
“We have been there, and won there before. That helps,” right fielder Brad Hawpe said. “They have strengths. They are really good, but they also have issues just like any other team.”
The National League divisional series will begin Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park. Game 2 is Thursday, with Game 3 Saturday at Coors Field followed by Game 4 Sunday in Denver, if necessary.
The Phillies’ advantage lies in their roster construction. They tilt more to the left than Keith Olbermann. Their top three starters – Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and J.A. Happ – are all left-handed. The Rockies are 27-25 against lefties this season, but just 8-15 on the road. Happ, however, could end up in the bullpen following the injury to J.C. Romero.
“I don’t think it’s going to make a difference (facing the left-handers). It means it could just give opportunities for our right-handed hitters,” said outfielder Ryan Spilborghs.
The Rockies swept the Phillies in 2007, winning the first two games of the five-game divisional series at Citizens Bank Park. This could have been avoided had the Rockies swept the Dodgers this weekend.
A 5-0 loss Saturday gave Los Angeles the National League West crown and home-field advantage in an opening series against the Cardinals.
The Rockies’ concern now turns to injuries, namely left-handed pitcher Jorge De La Rosa. His left groin tightened during the fourth inning. He will meet with the training staff Sunday to get a better read on his situation. The Rockies could push him back to the Game 3 start, allowing him a week to recover.
De La Rosa suffered a similar injury in the final start of the season last year. He said that it took a week to heal, but he didn’t have to pitch with it.
“I believe I will be OK,” De La Rosa said.
Catcher Yorvit Torrealba will sit out again today with a tight right hamstring. But this is only a precaution.
“I could have played. But there was no reason to risk it,” Torrealba said.
With nothing at stake in the series finale Sunday, the Rockies’ lineup will look different. Todd Helton, Troy Tulowitzki and Clint Barmes will all sit out today. And starter Jason Marquis will work roughly four innings followed by Jason Hammel, who is tentatively scheduled for two innings.
Tracy didn’t discuss his playoff-bullpen plans for Sunday. Franklin Morales’ struggles have become a concern. Manager Jim Tracy wouldn’t rule Morales out of the first round of the playoffs, though, when asked directly about his status.
“I have seen him bounce back before,” Tracy said. “Stuff gets major league hitters out when located. And there’s no question he has the stuff.”
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
