Colorado @ San Diego preview
Petco Park
Last Meeting ( Jul 31, 2011 ) Colorado 3, San Diego 8
THE STORY: The Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres both struggled mightily in late August, so the teams will be happy to turn the calendar when they meet Friday for the start of a three-game series at Petco Park. San Diego has tied a season high with seven straight losses, while Colorado has lost five of its first six contests on a nine-game road trip.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, Root Sports, Channel 4SD
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Kevin Millwood (1-1, 4.26 ERA) vs. Padres RH Aaron Harang (12-4, 3.92 ERA)
Millwood was signed by Colorado on Aug. 8 after he was released by the Red Sox. The veteran has a 4.26 ERA in 25 1/3 innings spanning his first four starts with the Rockies. He allowed two runs over 5 1/3 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers last Saturday. Harang has an 11.70 ERA in two starts against Colorado this season while yielding a 3.31 ERA in 21 other starts. Ty Wigginton is 6-for-12 lifetime with two home runs against Harang, who is 4-3 with a 5.26 ERA in nine career starts against the Rockies.
ABOUT THE ROCKIES (64-73): Jhoulys Chacin’s next start has been pushed back to next Friday against the Cincinnati Reds. Chacin has been dealing with a sore throat and high fever this week, and the Rockies would like to reduce his workload in September. Chacin is 11-10 with a 3.60 ERA while throwing a career-high 170 innings. Catching prospect Wilin Rosario will join the Rockies as soon as the Double-A Tulsa season ends, and he’ll likely see ample playing time down the stretch. Rosario is batting .253 with 21 home runs in 99 games for Tulsa, and he’s praised for his defense. The Rockies could also promote top pitching prospect Drew Pomeranz, who’s recovering from an appendectomy. Pomeranz will pitch for Tulsa on Monday and could make a few appearances for the Rockies before the season ends. He could make a spot start for Esmil Rogers, who has an 18.00 ERA in first innings this season and could be moved to the bullpen next season.
ABOUT THE PADRES (60-77): Cameron Maybin should be able to avoid the disabled list after an MRI of his right wrist showed only inflammation. Maybin, who has missed the last four games, leads the Padres with career highs in runs (70) and steals (32). He’s hit safely in 30 of his last 39 games and is batting .301 since the All-Star break. With Maybin sidelined for a few more games, the Padres may give new arrival Jeremy Hermida a look in the outfield. A career .258 hitter, Hermida was claimed on waivers from Cincinnati on Wednesday after hitting .319 with 17 home runs for Triple-A Louisville. Hermida was once a top Florida Marlins prospect, but he's fallen short of expectations during seven major league seasons with the Marlins, Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics and Reds. To make room for Hermida, the Padres designated catcher Kyle Phillips for assignment. Top prospect Anthony Rizzo is expected to be promoted soon to play first base, but he’ll have to battle Jesus Guzman for playing time. Guzman is batting .330 with 35 RBIs in 182 at-bats.
FINAL PITCH: San Diego has been outscored by a 32-11 margin during its seven-game losing streak. To boot, the Padres' starting pitchers have a 6.69 ERA.