Cubs @ Rockies Series Preview (April 14-17): TV and Game Info, Starting Pitcher, Insights
The Cubs split their first road series of the year in Pittsburgh after dropping Wednesday’s game to the Pirates. New addition Seiya Suzuki has been a big story so far with three home runs through five games, but several other would-be contributors have yet to warm up. It doesn’t get easier as the Cubs head to Denver for four with the first-place Rockies starting Thursday.
Colorado signed old friend Kris Bryant this offseason and boasts a 4-1 record that includes a series win over the Dodgers and a mini-sweep of the Rangers. The Rox have several promising young hitters, including Connor Joe and Ryan McMahon, but the big story so far has been the pitching staff that has posted a 2.54 ERA through five games.
The Cubs haven’t had much luck at Coors Field, limping to just a 12-21 record since 2010, but perhaps their contact-heavy approach will translate to more power at altitude. Though it’s still far too early to make big statements, there are some promising trends from Suzuki and Ian Happ, among others.
Just splitting the series would be acceptable and taking three games would be a very pleasant surprise, to say nothing of a possible sweep. At the very least, making it through with a win and most of your pitchers intact might be a moral victory.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Thursday, April 14 at 7:40pm CT on Marquee Sports Network
- Friday, April 15 at 7:40pm CT on Marquee Sports Network
- Saturday, April 16 at 7:10pm CT on MLB Network (out of market only) and Marquee Sports Network
- Sunday, April 17 at 2:10pm CT on Marquee Sports Network
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 4/14 | Justin Steele | 26 | L | 0.00 | 1-0 | 1.65 | 5.00 |
| Kyle Freeland | 28 | L | 12.27 | 0-1 | 2.23 | 3.00 | |
| 4/15 | Marcus Stroman | 30 | R | 1.80 | 0-0 | 6.25 | 1.00 |
| German Márquez | 27 | R | 1.29 | 0-0 | 3.48 | N/A | |
| 4/16 | TBA | ||||||
| Antonio Senzatela | 27 | R | 2.70 | 0-0 | 3.95 | 0.00 | |
| 4/17 | Drew Smyly | 32 | L | 0.00 | 1-0 | 2.65 | N/A |
| Austin Gomber | 28 | L | 5.79 | 0-0 | 2.62 | 2.00 |
What to Watch For
- The Cubs have yet to name a starter for Saturday’s game and it’s unclear who will get the nod.
- Bryant has seven hits in his first 20 at-bats, three of which are doubles.
- Suzuki has reached base at least twice in every single game so far this season.
- Patrick Wisdom has just one hit in 17 at-bats and has struck out nine times.