Rockies Shake Up Lineup With Series Win on the Line vs. Diamondbacks

The Colorado Rockies will have to take the field on Wednesday without one of their heroes from Tuesday evening.

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Ryan Feltner Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Colorado Rockies have a much different-looking lineup on Wednesday afternoon. They are trying to finish the series with the Arizona Diamondbacks with a win at Chase Field.

Colorado enters the final game in Arizona with a 47-73 record after they found a way to win on Tuesday with a score of 3-2. The win brought the series back to even after they took a beating 9-0 in the opener.

They will have to go for the series win without Kyle Karros.

Karros delivered big for them on Tuesday with a two-run homer in the sixth inning that erased a 2-0 deficit. Later in the evening, he collided with shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, with both pursuing a ground ball. Karros has now been placed on the seven-day concussion protocol injured list.

For the corresponding move, Colorado recalled infielder Adael Amador from Triple-A Albuquerque.

Rockies Without Kyle Karros

Colorado Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Manager Warren Schaeffer had his work cut out for him with Karros out and now facing the Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly.

Jake McCarthy remains serving as the leadoff man but is moving from left field to center. Cole Carrigg, who continues to impress, is moving up to second after going 2-for-4 on Tuesday. He is now hitting .295 with an .876 OPS.

TJ Rumfield comes back in starting at first base and batting third. Hunter Goodman is moving from behind the plate to designated hitter for the day.

Willi Castro is logging the start and taking Karros’ spot at third base.

Rockies Starting Lineup:

1. Jake McCarthy, CF
2. Cole Carrigg, SS
3. TJ Rumfield, 1B
4. Hunter Goodman, DH
5. Mickey Moniak, LF
6. Willi Castro, 3B
7. Zac Veen, RF
8. Connor Norby, 2B
9. Brett Sullivan, C

Starting Pitcher: Ryan Feltner (4-6, 5.71 ERA)

Veen remains in the lineup after being called up on Tuesday. No doubt, he is being evaluated as one of the young centerpieces moving forward.

Ryan Feltner Gets the Ball

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Ryan Feltner Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Rockies are sending Ryan Feltner to the mound with his 4-6 record on the year. He has posted a 5.71 ERA and caused 59 strikeouts.

Arizona will counter with Kelly who is now 8-9 with a 4.88 ERA and 80 strikeouts.

Colorado’s pitching staff actually gave the team a chance on Tuesday. Tomoyuki Sugano settled in and allowed just two runs across six innings of work. Jimmy Herget, Brennan Bernardino and Jordan Romano put together three more scoreless innings.

As he has many times this season, Goodman provided the win. He scored the winning run after tripling in the seventh and then coming across home plate with a Moniak sacrifice fly.

The Rockies have a chance to turn one good evening into some momentum, and that has been difficult to do this year. This will be a test to see if the lineup can adjust to the loss of Karros and come through in a deciding game.