The Colorado Rockies have struggled mightily this season with starting pitching injuries and general ineffectiveness. Even when splitting a series with the Washington Nationals, the pitching staff was helping opposing teams set new records -- that series was the first time in Nationals history they had scored 10 or more runs in every game of a four game series. Colorado used their 11th different starting pitcher of the season in the Washington series, sending rookie Edwar Cabrera to the mound for an ineffective debut.
The visiting Padres can sympathize, as they have also experienced their fair share of starting pitching woes. They have used 12 different starting pitchers on the season, and are still searching for any arm to throw into their rotation. Kip Wells had not pitched in the majors since 2009, yet was signed on a minor league contract and is now in the Padres rotation.
Jeff Francis (0-1, 7.23) has steadily become more efficient for Colorado since signing a major league deal. After an initial poor start against the Los Angeles Angels, Francis has become the Rockies' most consistent starter -- including a five inning gem against the Nationals in his last start.
His opponent on the mound will be 2009 Rockies All-Star Jason Marquis (3-7, 5.67). The veteran righthander is coming off a stretch of solid performances, and has pitched four straight games of at least six innings with two or less earned runs allowed.
Game Time: 6:10pm MT
Location: Coors Field, Denver, CO
TV/RADIO: Available on ROOT and 850 KOA
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