MLB Preview: Juan Nicasio vs. Mike Minor

May 11, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Juan Nicasio throws against the Cincinnati Reds during the fourth inning at Great American Ball Park. The Reds won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies (26-22) look to stop their slide against the Atlanta Braves without two key players in the lineup. Left fielder Carlos Gonzalez is day-to-day after aggravating that finger that has been bugging him for the last year while third baseman Nolan Arenado broke his left middle finger in the second inning last night, placing him on the 15-day disabled list.

Juan Nicasio will be on the hill for the Rockies in game two of a three-game set with the Braves. Nicasio has had himself quite the month of May, compiling an ERA of 1.50 as opponents have hitt just .150 against the 27-year-old. His last outing against the Padres didn’t stand up to that level as he collected the no-decision. He ended up tossing six innings, giving up four runs, four earned one walk, two strikeouts, while giving up nine hits.

Mike Minor will counter for the Braves. The southpaw is coming off of a solid performance against the NL Central leading Milwaukee Brewers as he gave up just five hits through 6 2/3 innings. He would give up just two earned runs, two walks, while striking out five, collecting his second win of the season. The 26-year-old has issues at least two walks in his last three starts where he has gone 2-1.

Rockies Lineup:

1: Brandon Barnes – LF
2: Drew Stubbs – CF
3: Troy Tulowitzki – SS
4: Michael Cuddyer – RF
5: Wilin Rosario – C
6: Justin Morneau – 1B
7: Charlie Culberson – 3B
8: DJ LeMahieu – 2B
9: Juan Nicasio – P

Game Notes:

• Nolan Arenado was placed on the 15-day DL (broken left middle finger) as INF Josh Rutledge was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs.
• Michael Cuddyer is 3-for-6 lifetime with a grand slam against Mike Minor.
• Colorado has not won a series at Atlanta since September 26th-28th in 2005.

First-pitch between the Colorado Rockies and Atlanta Braves is scheduled for 4:10 PM ET, 2:10 PM MT.