Rangers Series Preview: Colorado Rockies

The Rangers are in Colorado for the weekend series against the Rockies, the final three games between these two teams in 2020 (unless, of course, they meet in the World Series). They know each other well after playing two exhibition games in late July and then a three-game series to start the season in Arlington.

Colorado is a half game up on the Dodgers in the NL West at 12-6 and the Rangers have a half game up on the Astros, holding second place (which is a playoff spot this season) in the AL West with an 8-9 record.

Both teams are 6-4 for their last 10.

The Rangers will face a new pitcher to the Rockies’ rotation on Friday. RHP Ryan Castellani made his debut on Saturday. He went into the fifth inning without giving up a hit or a run but hit the first batter and walking the second while also being limited to 60 pitches he was pulled. His pitch count for this game will be around 75.

Lance Lynn will take the mound for the Rangers. He faced Colorado on Opening day when he pitched six innings of two hit ball, walking four but striking out nine in the Rangers first win at the new ballpark. He’s made eight career starts against Colorado, going 3-2 with a 2.42 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP in 48.1 innings.

Saturday evening’s game will feature Kyle Gibson and German Marquez. Marquez got the loss against the Rangers on Opening Day despite limiting them to just two hits and the lone run of the game in 5.2 innings. In three starts since he hasn’t give up more than two earned runs.

This will be Gibson’s first career start against Colorado.

In the finale on Sunday, Kolby Allard will face Jon Gray. Gray was on a limited pitch count in the second game of the season but only gave up one run on three hits after going 4.2 innings. He’s 0-2 this season with a 6.41 ERA in 19.2 innings.

Start times:

Friday @ 7:40 pm CST

Saturday @ 7:10 pm CST

Sunday @ 2:10 pm CST