MLB Preview: Jhoulys Chacin vs. Johnny Cueto

May 4, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jhoulys Chacin (45) prepares to pitch in the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Jhoulys Chacin looks to get back on track after a rough season debut last Sunday against the New York Mets. Tonight, he goes up against a pitcher that has been nearly unhittable in Johnny Cueto for the Cincinnati Reds.

Chacin, 26, made his season debut Sunday afternoon against the New York Mets after coming off a strained right shoulder which led to shoulder inflammation — which caused him to miss the entire Spring. He was rusty as expected, throwing five innings, giving up eight hits, four runs, four earned, five walks while striking out four. His velocity was noticeably down while he was missing high with all of his pitches; which can be attributed to his mechanics.

Cueto, 28, on the other hand has pitched like a Cy Young Candidate. The righty has made seven starts this season, collecting a record of 3-2 with an ERA of 1.31 — lowest ERA in the MLB. He is coming off of a dominating performance against the resurgent Milwaukee Brewers, throwing eight strong innings, giving up three hits, two runs; both runs were solo home runs. He runs into a high-powered Colorado Rockies offense that has been feasting off of pitchers of late. However, Cueto hasn’t given up more than two earned runs in a game this season (7 starts).

Meanwhile, Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado will continue to try to make history. The 23-year-old extended his hitting steak to 28 games last night, surpassing the Colorado Rockies franchise record set by outfielder Michael Cuddyer (27) last season. Arenado is also halfway to Joe DiMaggio‘s streak of 56 games.

Game Notes:

• Nolan Arenado looks to extend his hitting streak to 29-games vs. Johnny Cueto.
• Carlos Gonzalez is riding a 10-game hitting streak entering tonight’s game.
• Justin Morneau is back in the lineup tonight after missing Thursday night’s game with a stiff neck.
• DJ LeMahieu is 4-for-5 lifetime against Cueto while CarGo is 4-for-10, HR, 6 RBI’s.

First-pitch between the Colorado Rockies and Cincinnati Reds is scheduled for 7:10 PM ET, 5:10 PM MT at Great American Ball Park.