MLB Preview: Jhoulys Chacin vs. Jason Vargas

Aug 23, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher

(45) throws a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies (23-18) are now losers of two-straight as they look to salvage a win today to even up the two-game set with the Kansas City Royals. Last night was all about James Shields who quieted the Rockies bats, going seven innings giving up just one earned run.

Jhoulys Chacin will make his third start of the 2014 campaign, looking for his first win this season. He would settle down after his first start where he walked five batters against the New York Mets back on May 4th. This past Friday, Chacin would give up just two runs on four hits while walking just one batter in six innings as he took the no-decision in a 4-3 Cincinnati Reds victory. His second start saw some improvements from a velocity standpoint and he would throw 55 of 88 pitches for strikes.

Jason Vargas will take the hill for the Royals and has been a pleasant surprise to their rotation. The southpaw is currently 3-1 on the season with a 3.04 ERA. He is also coming off his best outing of the season hands down, throwing seven scoreless innings while giving up just three hits and striking out six against the Seattle Mariners. Prior to that shutdown performance against the M’s, he gave up 11 hits through five innings against the Detroit Tigers, allowing seven earned in the loss.

Rockies Lineup vs. KC:

1: Charlie Blackmon – LF
2: Brandon Barnes – RF
3: Troy Tulowitzki – SS
4: Carlos Gonzalez – DH
5: Nolan Arenado – 3B
6: Justin Morneau – 1B
7: Drew Stubbs – CF
8: Michael McKenry – C
9: Charlie Culberson – 2B

Game Notes:

• Jhoulys Chacin is looking for his first win of the 2014 season.
• Carlos Gonzalez is 2-for-18 in Colorado’s last five games.
• Brandon Barnes is 4-for-6 lifetime against Jason Vargas while Justin Morneau is 4-for-15 with 1 HR, 4 RBI’s.
• Norichika Aoki is 4-for-9 lifetime against Jhoulys Chacin with 3 HR’s.

First-pitch between the Colorado Rockies and Kansas City Royals is scheduled for 2:10 PM ET, 12:10 PM MT.