OK, so Colorado’s only seven games into the 2019 season. They have played just 4.3 percent of their schedule. But make no mistake, omens already abound.
Here are the five most obvious omens from the Rockies’ initial seven-game road trip in which they split with the Marlins before dropping two of three to the Rays.
Back-end rotation questions linger.Kyle Freeland and German Marquez catalyzed Colorado’s 2-0 start in Miami, where the co-aces turned in back-to-back quality starts with two hits or less, the first time Colorado’s done that to open a season. But over the next three losses, Tyler Anderson (five runs in five innings), Jon Gray (three in six-plus) and Chad Bettis (six in five-plus) didn’t fare as well, with Gray the only one looking sharp before a calf cramp ended his outing.
Anemic offense carries over from 2018.After last year saw Colorado post a franchise low in team average at .256, the Rockies vowed more offensive consistency this season. But the early sample isn’t pretty: a .197 team average with just two home runs and 72 strikeouts. By comparison, the vaunted Dodgers are hitting .298 with 17 homers through their first six games, while Colorado scored 16 total runs (and was shut out twice) in that same span.
Daniel Murphy’s finger injury.Speaking of early-season offensive struggles, Colorado’s lone major-league signing this offseason — a high-average left-handed bat counted on to shore up the top of the lineup — is shelved for 4-6 weeks due to a left index finger fracture. The first baseman suffered the injury in the second game in Miami when he jammed his glove into the dirt making a backhand play on a ground ball, and it’s still unclear whether he’ll need surgery.
Carlos Estevez recalled from Triple-A.Colorado’s other injury from the road trip was reliever Jake McGee’s knee strain, which landed the southpaw on the 10-day injured list. In his place, the Rockies promoted right-hander Carlos Estevez from Albuquerque, who impressed this spring with a 1.08 ERA. With a 98-mph heater and an increasingly nasty slider, Estevez’s early call-up could eventually add another stabilizer to the bullpen if he can pitch well enough to stick around.
German Marquez is here to stay.The right-hander reached a five-year, $43 million contract extension with the Rockies on Tuesday, a deal keeping him in LoDo through 2023 with an option for the 2024 season as well. After that news came down, Marquez turned in another gem Wednesday with seven innings of shutout ball in a no-decision against Tampa Bay. The right-hander’s deal includes escalators for winning the Cy Young or placing in the voting for the award.
— , The Denver Post
What’s on Tap
- Los Angeles Dodgers, 2:30 p.m. Friday, ATTRM
- Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, ATTRM
- Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, ESPN
Must-Read
Rockies’ 2019 home opening weekend details, promotions, fireworks dates and more
Colorado hosts division rival Los Angeles for a three-game set at 20th and Blake Street starting on Friday. Read more…
Kiszla: Rockies rediscover mojo in crucial 1-0 victory and find a motto for 2019: Do something! Do anything!
No major-league baseball team pops champagne in April. But some victories taste sweeter than others. Read more…
Chris Iannetta rips critics who were “hitting panic button” over slow start
For the record, the 3-4 Rockies are batting .197 as a team, with a .245 on-base percentage. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Chris Iannetta’s homer saves Rockies in extras after stellar start by German Marquez
+ Chris Iannetta rips critics who were “hitting panic button” over slow start
+ Rockies’ Daniel Murphy will miss 4-6 weeks with finger injury; Jake McGee to IL
+ Kiszla: The Rockies’ $15 million problem? They can’t hide Ian Desmond’s deadwood in the batting order.
+ Kyle Freeland, Rockies ace starter and Denver native, is the new voice of Denver International Airport trains
+ Todd Helton, retired Rockies star, cited for DUI in Tennessee, enters treatment program
+Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team?Ask Patrick Saunders here.
+Want to chat about the Rockies?
Opening weekend in Lodo
+ When to score bobbleheads, catch fireworks and more
+ Letap be frank:
+ , 2019 edition
+ during the 2019 Rockies season
+ Tickets, bag policy, food, fun facts and more for Colorado Rockies’ home
By The Numbers
$43 million
Rockies give pitcher German Marquez a $43 million contract to stay with Colorado through 2023
The deal covers the 2019 through 2023 seasons, but also includes a club option that could turn into a mutual option for the 2024 season. Read more…
Parting Shot
Troy Tulowitzki leaves Yankees game with strained left calf, taken to hospital for testing
Yankees shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has been pulled from a game with a strained left calf and taken to a hospital for further testing, another blow for the majors’ most hobbled club. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion,email me at dboniface@denverpost.comortweet me .
