Series Preview #40, vs. Colorado Rockies

What's New?

Arizona is coming off of a difficult (bad) series against the Kansas City Royals, getting swept in three straight games to drop even closer to last place. After jumping out to a first inning lead on Tuesday, the wheels just came off for the Diamondbacks, including an eight run fifth inning that saw them lose 12-2. After falling behind early again, Arizona tried to come back and nearly pulled it off before falling 4-3 and spoiling Josh Collmenter's quality start. In Thursday's finale, the Diamondbacks were simply victims of Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie's great game, as he threw a complete game and gave up two runs in the Royals' 6-2 win. Arizona has lost three in a row and have lost six of their last ten overall, and are 23-38 at home in 2014. They are 49-66 overall, 16 games behind the Dodgers for first place in the NL West. They are four games behind the Padres for third place.

The Diamondbacks' offense has not felt much of an impact from Paul Goldschmidt's injury, but boy will it ever. They currently rank 23rd in the majors in wRC+ (90) and 22nd in offensive WAR (10.5), hitting .255/.308/.390 with a .308 wOBA this season. They've average once they actually get the ball in play, as their .299 BABIP ranks 14th in the major leagues. they still walk at the second-lowest rate in baseball (6.4%). Their pitching has struggled as well, as they rank 25th in team ERA (4.32) and 22nd in FIP (3.95), posting a WAR of 6.3 (27th in the majors). They give up home runs at the fourth-highest rate in the majors, giving up 1.06 HR/9.

Despite their last place mark, the Rockies have one of the best offenses in baseball. They rank 10th in wRC+ (99) and ninth in offensive WAR (15.6), batting .279/.330/..445 with a .339 wOBA. The Rockies just might have the most pure power in the league, posting a league-high .166 ISO and .445 slugging percentage this season. But despite their offensive outbursts, they have by far the worst pitching staff in baseball, posting a league-worst 4.94 ERA and 4.58 FIP, with the 28th-ranked pitching WAR (5.0). They yield home runs at the highest rate in baseball, surrendering 1.16 singers per nine innings.

Colorado is coming off of a three game set against the Cubs that saw them win just one of three games. They have won just two of their last ten games overall, and head on the road where they are 17-39 this season. They are 45-69 overall, 19.5 games behind the Dodgers for first place in the NL West.

On The Mend

The Rockies placed left hander Brett Anderson on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday, according to Nick Groke of the Denver Post. He is expected to miss at least a couple weeks with back spasms.

Roster Moves

On Wednesday, the Diamondbacks activated shortstop Cliff Pennington from the 15-day disabled list. In response, the club optioned right hander Bo Schultz to Triple-A Reno.

On Thursday, Arizona selected the contract of prized third base prospect Jake Lamb from Triple-A Reno, and designated third baseman Andy Marte for assignment.

On Wednesday, the Rockies placed left hander Brett Anderson on the 15-day disabled list, and recalled right hander Brooks Brown from Triple-A Colorado Springs. They also activated right hander Jordan Lyles from the 60-day disabled list, and designated center fielder Jason Pridie for assignment.

Thursday, Colorado recalled right hander Juan Nicasio Triple-A Colorado Springs, and optioned right hander Brooks Brown.

What Now?

It is safe to say that 2014 is a lost season for the Diamondbacks. So who is on the horizon to bring hope for the Snakes?

Jake Lamb, third baseman: Lamb has already made his mark in the majors, making his major league debut on Thursday and picking up his first major league hit. He has hit .327/.407/.566 in Double-A and Triple-A this season, with 15 home runs and 84 RBIs this season. Lamb is in the more traditional mold of a third baseman, unlike previous starter Martin Prado.

David Peralta, outfielder: Peralta has emerged as a dark horse NL Rookie of the Year candidate, batting .315/.348/.467 with four home runs and 23 RBIs through his first 53 games as a major leaguer. He is probably the only spark plug in the Diamondbacks lineup right now, and could feature in a talented Arizona outfield with breakout star A.J. Pollock in the future.

Archie Bradley, right handed pitcher: The name everyone here is waiting for. The former top-ten selection could make his way to the majors as soon as this September. Viewed as the ace of the future, Bradley has dealt with his fair share of injuries and struggles in the minors this year, going 1-4 with a 5.18 ERA in five starts for Triple-A Reno this season.

Pitching Matchups

Game 1, 6:40 PT: LHP Tyler Matzek (2-6, 5.31 ERA, 4.10 FIP) vs. RHP Chase Anderson (6-4, 3.19 ERA, 4.48 FIP)

Despite getting extra rest prior to his last start, Matzek was crushed by the Tigers in giving up eight runs on ten hits over four innings while picking up the loss. He's just been flat-out bad on the road this season, going 0-3 with a 6.11 ERA in six appearances outside of Coors Field this season. Anderson might be in the middle of the best stretch of his career, going 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in his last four starts and holding batters to a .225 batting average. He gave up a run on five hits over six innings in his last start against the Pirates.

Game 2, Saturday 5:10 PT: LHP Jorge De La Rosa (11-7, 4.27 ERA, 4.32 FIP) vs. RHP Trevor Cahill (1-8, 5.12 ERA, 3.64 FIP)

De La Rosa has been the Rockies' best pitcher of late by far. He has put together quality starts in five of his last six outings, and was still solid in his last start. He gave up four runs on six hits over 6.2 innings in a loss to Detroit. Cahill actually pitched well in his last start, giving up a run on seven hits over seven innings in picking up a no decision against the Pirates. He's given up three earned runs or less in each of his starts since returning to the major leagues.

Game 3, Sunday 1:10 PT: TBA vs. LHP Wade Miley (7-8, 4.61 ERA, 4.12 FIP)

The Rockies have yet to announce who their starter is on Sunday due to a mix of injuries, roster moves, and poor performances. Miley is coming off of the worst start of his career, giving up ten runs on nine hits over 4.2 innings against the Royals. He dealt with two early home runs, then gave up three more runs on a grand slam surrendered by a reliever. He is 2-6 with a 6.35 ERA in 12 home starts this season.