Colorado @ San Diego preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 29, 2011 ) Colorado 3, San Diego 2

THE STORY: The subject of countless trade rumors, Ubaldo Jimenez is scheduled to start for the Colorado Rockies when they face the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Saturday. The many scouts in attendance will also be watching the Padres’ Heath Bell and Ryan Ludwick, as both figure to be moved before Sunday’s non-waiver trade deadline.

TV: 8:35 p.m. ET, Root Sports, Channel 4SD

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Ubaldo Jimenez (6-9, 4.20 ERA) vs. Padres RH Aaron Harang (9-2, 3.45 ERA).

Jimenez gave up five runs on eight hits over five innings Sunday against Arizona. The Rockies are 4-13 in Jimenez’s last 17 road starts, and 2-8 in his last 10 starts against NL West teams. Harang allowed four runs on eight hits over six innings Monday against the Phillies. The veteran righty is 4-2 with a 4.73 in eight career starts against the Rockies, and the Padres are 8-3 in his last 11 starts.

ABOUT THE ROCKIES (50-56): Most of the trade talk in Colorado has surrounded Jimenez, but there are a few other Rockies who could be on the move. Ty Wigginton, Mark Ellis, Chris Iannetta, Ryan Spilborghs, Matt Lindstrom and Rafael Betancourt have all been mentioned in potential deals. Once considered favorites in the NL West, the disappointing Rockies are clearly sellers as the trade deadline arrives. Wigginton has been linked to the Yankees, Red Sox and Pirates, while Boston could be interested in Spilborghs. It doesn't appear as likely that closer Huston Street will be moved. With Rickie Weeks out for 3-to-6 weeks, the Brewers could be interested in Ellis to start at second base. One player who won’t be traded is reliever Rex Brothers, who has moved into a setup role after being scored upon in only one of his past 17 appearances. He has at least one strikeout in 10 of his past 11 games.

ABOUT THE PADRES (46-61): One day after manager Bud Black offered a dim prognosis for starting pitcher Clayton Richard, the Padres announced that Richard underwent season-ending surgery on his left shoulder Friday afternoon. Richard, who was placed on the disabled list July 5 with a left shoulder strain, was 5-9 with a 3.88 ERA in 18 starts. Right fielder Will Venable (back spasms) and shortstop Jason Bartlett (hamstring) missed Friday’s game with minor injuries, and both are listed as day-to-day. Catcher Nick Hundley, who had surgery on his right elbow July 8, said he’s ready to face live pitching and could begin a rehab assignment within the next week. First baseman Jesus Guzman has hit .329 since being promoted from Triple-A Tucson on June 16, but he’s a defensive liability and figures to become a reserve player once top prospect Anthony Rizzo is recalled again from Tucson.

FINAL PITCH: The Rockies are 21-43 in their last 64 road games against a right-handed starter.