The Rockies travel to Dodger Stadium for a three-game series against Los Angeles from Friday through Sunday. Here are five story lines to watch as Colorado takes on its divisional rival:
Chance to cut into the deficit. Colorado (40-34) trails the Dodgers (51-25) in the division by 10 games entering the series at Chavez Ravine, and Fangraphs gives Los Angeles 99.6 percent odds to capture its seventh straight West crown this year. But with seven games between the teams before the month is out, this weekend’s series could be the turning point the Rockies need to swing some divisional momentum back in their favor. The teams meet for three additional series, and nine total games, following the all-star break.
Facing Hyun-Jin Ryu on Saturday. The Colorado offense, swelling as of late, will face one of its toughest tests of the season on Saturday against the early frontrunner for the National League Cy Young Award. The southpaw has the best starting ERA in baseball at 1.26, along with a 0.82 WHIP and 9-1 record. Ryu also has 85 strikeouts to just five walks on the season, meaning the Rockies will need to be patiently aggressive against his five-pitch mix that features a fastball, changeup, cutter, sinker and curveball. The game is being broadcast on FOX.
Importance of keeping the ball down. The series will also be another big test for the Colorado rotation to contain a powerful and balanced Dodgers lineup that leads the N.L. with a .819 collective OPS and ranks second with 122 homers. In particular, MVP candidate Cody Bellinger is putting up a monster season with 24 homers, 60 RBIs and a .358 average. That includes a .500 average (6-for-12) against the Rockies this year, with a couple homers and five RBIs, while Bellinger is putting up video game numbers at home with a slash line of .399/.488/.790.
All-star Corey Seager unavailable. The Los Angeles shortstop’s been on the injured list since June 12 with a left hamstring strain. After missing the majority of last season due to Tommy John surgery, Seager’s been putting up another all-star season with a .278 average, eight homers and 38 RBIs. He currently ranks third in the National League voting for the midsummer classic. He’s still in the early stages of recovery and it’s unlikely he’ll be back by the all-star break, especially considering there will likely be a minor league rehab stint involved.
The imperfect L.A. bullpen. The Dodgers’ bullpen ranks sixth in the N.L. with a 4.15 ERA, and like Colorado’s relieving corps, it too hasn’t been immune to lapses. Right-hander Kenley Jansen has blown three of his 25 save opportunities, including one just last week at home against Chicago. Right-handers Pedro Báez (2.78 ERA in 33 appearances) and Dylan Floro (2.77 in 27) have been manager Dave Roberts’ go-to guys out of the bullpen. Other arms, such as left-hander Caleb Ferguson (5.30 ERA) and right-hander Joe Kelly (6.66), haven’t been as reliable.
