The Rockies may be out of the playoff race, but they’re still in position to make life uncomfortable for a team that’s chasing October.
Colorado takes on the NL East-leading Braves on Saturday at Truist Park in the second game of a three-game series, and the matchup gives the Rockies a chance to lean on an offense that has kept showing up even as the season has gone sideways in the standings.
That’s been one of the clearer positives for a Colorado club that has seen its starting rotation battered by injuries. The group on the mound no longer resembles what was expected when the year began, but the lineup has been steady enough to keep the Rockies dangerous in spots.
Saturday’s game is set for 3:10 p.m. The Rockies will go with right-hander Zach Agnos, who is 0-2 with a 5.68 ERA, while Atlanta will counter with left-hander Martin Perez, who is 8-8 with a 3.12 ERA.
Hunter Goodman is the biggest threat in the Colorado lineup. The catcher has 36 home runs, 73 RBI and a .256 average, and he’s on pace to win his second straight National League Silver Slugger at the position.
Jake McCarthy has been another bright spot. The left-handed hitter will serve as the designated hitter Saturday, and he’s put together a strong season with 13 home runs, 69 RBI and a .291 batting average. A .300 season is still within reach.
Connor Norby, acquired from the Miami Marlins in a deadline deal, gives the Rockies another bat with real pop. Injuries have slowed him down, and he’s been limited to six home runs, 25 RBI and a .220 average, but Colorado likes what it has seen so far.
The Rockies are also dealing with a crowded injured list. Kyle Freeland is on the 15-day IL with cervical radiculopathy, and Sean Sullivan is out with left shoulder impingement.
On the 60-day IL are Jose Quintana with a left elbow sprain, Pierson Ohl with a right UCL repain, RJ Petit with a right elbow UCL strain, McCade Brown with right shoulder inflammation, Welingon Herrera with a torn left UCL, Chase Dollander with a right elbow sprain, and Kris Bryant with lumbar degenerative disk disease.
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