The Rockies’ offense has been a mixed bag in the early going, a mixture of impressive power and patches of inconsistency. But hitting coach Blake Doyle says the lineup has a chance to be a force in the National League.
“I think we are a more athletic lineup than last year,” Doyle said Tuesday before the Rockies hosted San Francisco. “And I think we will be a more consistent lineup this year. I think you saw that in spring (training) and here early on. We are taking better at-bats, we’re grinding out at-bats, and we are getting further into the count. What’s happening is, we are making the opposition earn every out. There are no empty at-bats.”
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That’s only partly true. Led by rookie shortstop Trevor Story’s seven home runs in the first six games, the Rockies led the National League with 17 homers entering Tuesday’s play. However, their .333 on-base percentage ranked just eighth and their .275 team batting average was sixth. By comparison, opponents are hitting .342 against Colorado.
Doyle says the Rockies have “a long lineup,” meaning they present trouble throughout the order. Yet in the early going, cleanup hitter Nolan Arenado (.217 average entering Tuesday), leadoff hitter Charlie Blackmon (.111) and five-hole hitter Gerardo Parra (.211) are struggling. That’s bound to turn around soon.
Blackmon’s take. A quick glance at Blackmon’s average shows a hitter struggling to find his footing. But that .111 number entering a three-game series against the Giants may be misleading. Blackmon made good contact over his 20 plate appearances through the first week, but his .125 BABIP (batting average on balls in play) explains his bad luck in hitting right at opposing fielders.
“I’m right where I need to be,” Blackmon said. “If I can consistently have these kinds of at-bats, I think I’ll be successful this year.”
Blackmon recorded just two hits in 18 at-bats against Arizona and San Diego, but he struck out only twice.
“I’ve had a couple at-bats that weren’t very good, but that’s going to happen,” Blackmon said. “And there are a lot of at-bats that I’ve been very competitive and done a lot of things right and not had a lot to show for it.”
Gray’s anatomy. Right-handed starter Jon Gray will pitch another rehab assignment for high Single-A Modesto on Friday. He’ll hike his pitch count up to about 85 pitches, or about six innings. If that goes well, he could be in line to rejoin the Rockies’ rotation the next week.
Gray, recovering from a strained abdomen, made his first rehab start Sunday for Modesto, throwing 64 pitches in 4 innings. He gave up two runs on four hits, struck out three and walked one.
“He felt great, 100 percent,” Rockies trainer Keith Dugger said. “He struck out the first three batters he faced.”
Looking Ahead
Giants RHP Jake Peavy (0-0, 7.20 ERA) at Rockies RHP Jordan Lyles (0-1, 13.50), 6:40 p.m. Wednesday, ROOT; 850 AM
Give Lyles points for honesty. He bombed in the Rockies’ home-opening loss to the Padres last Friday, lasting only 3 innings and allowing five runs on seven hits and walking three. “It’s disappointing,” Lyles said. “Nobody feels as bad as I do about today, for these fans. They have been waiting six months for us to play. I didn’t show up.” Command of his fastball and changeup were missing for much of spring training. Peavy was not very effective in his first start against the Dodgers on Thursday. He gave up four runs on 10 hits with three strikeouts over five innings. He’s been so-so against the Rockies in his long career, posting a 7-7 record and 3.90 ERA in 22 career starts.
Thursday: Giants RHP Matt Cain (0-0, 3.00 ERA) at Rockies RHP Christian Bergman (0-1, 12.00), 1:10 p.m., ROOT
Friday: Rockies LHP Jorge De La Rosa (0-1, 12.46) at Cubs RHP Kyle Hendricks (1-0, 2.70), 12:20 p.m., ROOT
Saturday: Rockies RHP Chad Bettis (1-0, 4.38) at Cubs RHP Jake Arrieta (2-0, 1.93), 12:20 p.m., ROOT
