Colorado Rockies: Now or Never for Division Dreams

As the Colorado Rockies take the field in Los Angeles to close out the series, we can’t help but be disappointed in the outcome so far.

The Rockies and Jon Gray got blow out on Monday, 8-2.  Tuesday’s game hinged on a crazy play in the fifth and an Adam Ottavino slider that stayed up just a bit too much.

In this crazy back-and-forth season for Colorado, we’ve come to expect that no lead, no prospect is insurmountable for the resilient Rockies crew.

That resilience has been tested in the weeks since Colorado took a 3-1 series from the Dodgers on August 12th and vaulted to the front of the NL West.

Keep in mind that even at that point, Nolan Arenado was in an extended slump, so the Rockies were getting it done without the all-star third baseman’s bat.  In his offensive absence, Trevor Story took the reins and went on a tear, keeping the Rockies alive and afloat enough to bring a half-game division lead into Los Angeles on Monday night.

Colorado Rockies

Unfortunately, Monday’s blowout cost the Rockies more than the division lead, Story injured his elbow on a diving grab in the first and left the game in the fourth.  Subsequent examination reveals only “elbow soreness”, no structural damage as initially feared.

So, Colorado limps into Wednesday night’s contest, slumping offensively, their MVP-level shortstop injured and with Tyler Anderson, their most baffling starting pitcher, taking the mound.

Jon Gray may own the most disappointing season for the starters but Anderson makes the least sense.  Some starts he is unhittable, confident and in control.  Other starts, Anderson seems like he won’t last the first inning.

The window narrows every day, Colorado is just 4-6 in it’s last 10 games, every loss is magnified.  For the Rockies to realize a postseason dream, Anderson has to find his groove tonight.  Arenado has to regain his form, at least enough to carry the Rockies while Story is out.

The window is still there but another loss to the division leading Dodgers makes an NL West title unlikely.