COLORADO ROCKIES NOTES:
DEEP IN THE HEART OF
- The Colorado Rockies continue their final road trip of the first half this afternoon with a rubber-match in Houston … will have an off day on Thursday before playing three in San Francisco Friday-Sunday.
- The Rockies finished 4-5 over their season-long nine-game homestand with a run differential of -38, taking two of three from the Los Angeles Angels before dropping two of three to both the Dodgers and Tigers.
ROAD WOES
- Have lost nine-straight road games dating back to June 14, the longest road losing streak of the season and longest since dropping nine-straight away from Coors Sept. 15-30, 2012.
- Across this span, the Rockies have been outscored 29-68 (-39) while slashing .220/.298/.393 … Rockies starters have posted an 11.13 ERA across this span (38.0 IP, 47 ER) with only three starts of five or more innings … 5.03 ERA (34.0 IP, 19 ER) out of the bullpen.
HEY NOW, YOU’RE AN ALL-STAR
- Major League Baseball announced Sunday that Elias Díaz was selected as a reserve for the National League in the 2023 All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Wash. … the selection marks the 32-yearold’s first Major League All-Star appearance and the first time in franchise history a Rockies catcher has been selected to the game … with any appearance in the Midsummer Classic, will become one of 10 Venezuelan-born catchers to appear in an All-Star Game.
- Díaz has appeared in 70 games at catcher this season for the Rockies, the second-most in the National League. … when playing as a catcher, his 68 hits are the most in the NL, 40 RBI are tied for second and 15 doubles are third … overall this season, Díaz is slashing .279/.332/.445 with 15 doubles, one triple, nine home runs and 45 RBI through 76 games.
- His 13 catcher caught stealings are the second-most in the National League while his 27.6 caught stealing percentage ranks third (min. 50 GS) … his 0.9 dWAR is tied for 12th in the National League and ranks third among all catchers.
TWENTY-TWENTY TWO HALVES
- The Rockies went 20-24 at Coors Field in the first half, being outscored by opponents 303-223 for a run differential of -80 … in 2022, were 28-23 at Coors Field at the All-Star break with a run differential of +23.
- In 44 home games this year, the Rockies are slashing .278/.334/.442 as a team with 42 home runs and a team ERA of 6.35 (397.0 IP, 280 ER) … in 2022, slashed .287/.352/.464 with 61 home runs at home in the first half while posting a team ERA of 4.87 (464.0 IP, 251 ER).
- Have gone 13-30 on the road so far in 2022, pitching to a 5.20 clip (359.2 IP, 208 ER) and slashing .233/.299/.360 … 15-27 on the road at the break last year, posting a team ERA of 4.90 (356.0IP, 194 ER) while slashing .233/.292/.340 and averaging 3.0 runs per game.
THE ROOKIE, THE FATHER
- Shortstop Ezequiel Tovar had his career-long hit streak snapped at 15 games yesterday afternoon in Houston … went 12-for-60 (.350) through the streak … entered the game as the longest active streak in baseball and the longest of the season for Colorado … tied for the fourth-longest hit streak by a Colorado rookie (also: Juan Pierre, Sept. 6-21, 2000).
- The shortstop has a hit in 28 of 32 since May 27, batting .325 (40-for-123) through this span … his batting average over this period leads the Rockies, is 11th in baseball, sixth in the NL and first among rookies … over this span, has raised his season average from .223 to .266.
- Tovar’s 1.2 defensive WAR (Baseball Reference) is the highest mark among Major League rookies, while his 1.7 overall WAR is tied for the eighth-best among ML rookies … his total WAR is currently the seventh-highest for a rookie in franchise history.
BLAME IT ON THE RAIN
- After going 15-13 in May the Rockies went 9-18 in June, tied with Detroit for the third-worst winning percentage in the Majors in June … were outscored 187-113 (-74) during the month … the Rockies have won fewer than 10 games in June four times in franchise history, most recently in 2014 when they went 8-20 in the month (.286).
- Rockies pitchers posted a 6.84 ERA (235.2 IP, 179 ER) in June … the only time the Rockies have finished a month with a higher ERA in a calendar month was May 1993 (7.03 ERA) … the next-lowest ERA in a single month was a 6.74 ERA posted in July, 1999.
- The starters went 2-13 (Austin Gomber picking up both wins) with a 7.51 ERA (124.2 IP, 104 ER) in June, the third-highest starters’ ERA in a month in franchise history (8.20 ERA, April 2004 and 7.57 ERA, June 2012).
ROCKIES STARTING PITCHER – #45 CHASE ANDERSON RHP
MR. ANDERSON
- Chase Anderson will make his 10th start in a Rockies uniform today after being claimed off of waivers from Tampa Bay on May 12.
- Designated for assignment by Tampa Bay on May 10 … acquired by Tampa Bay via trade with Cincinnati in exchange for cash considerations on May 3.
- Was signed by the Reds to a Minor League contract on Feb. 20 after spending the 2022 season with the club.
SKID
- Has lost each of his last three starts, allowing 22 total runs across 9.1 innings (21.21 ERA) … allowed 23 hits, including five home runs, with eight walks, two hit batters and nine strikeouts over this span.
- His 21.21 ERA is the fourth-highest ERA over a three-start span by a Rockies starter in franchise history, the highest since Antonio Senzatela posted a 21.60 ERA (8.1 IP, 20 ER) over three starts July 14-Aug. 25, 2019 … also tied for the second-most earned runs allowed over three starts in franchise history, the most since Juan Nicasio allowed 22 earned runs over three starts May 30-June 20, 2014.
- Allowed six runs on six hits across 3.2 innings in his last start, last Thursday vs. the Dodgers in a 14-3 Rockies loss.
- Pitched 2.2 innings in the Rockies’ 25-1 loss to the Angels last Saturday … allowed nine runs on 10 hits with two walks and one strikeout … became the eighth pitcher in franchise history to allow at least nine runs on 10 or more hits in fewer than three innings (last: Germán Márquez, July 15, 2019 (G1) vs. San Francisco).
RESET
- Has pitched fewer than five innings each of his last four starts after pitching more than five in his first five outings with the club … his 2.67 ERA through is first five starts was the second-lowest through a pitcher’s first five in franchise history.
WE HAVE LIFTOFF
- Has made one previous start against the Astros, on April 8, 2016 in Milwaukee … pitched five scoreless innings with four hits, no walks and five strikeouts in the Brewers 6-4 win.
ANNOUNCE HIS PRESENCE WITH AUTHORITY
- Made his first career start with the Rockies on May 16 vs. the Reds, drawing a no-decision in a 3-1 Rockies loss … pitched five scoreless innings with one hit allowed, one walk and three strikeouts.
- Became the ninth pitcher in franchise history to toss at least five scoreless innings in his first start with the club, the first since Antonio Senzatela did so in his Major League debut on April 6, 2017 … first Rockies pitcher to accomplish the feat in a home game since Drew Pomeranz on his Major League debut on Sept. 11, 2011.
RAYS OF SUNSHINE
- Made two relief appearances for Tampa Bay on May 3 and May 9, both in relief after being acquired from Cincinnati on May 3.
- Pitched five innings without allowing a run in his relief appearances.
- Tossed three scoreless innings on May 3 vs. Pittsburgh, garnering his first career save in an 8-1 Rays win.
HOUSTON ASTROS NOTES:
TODAY’S GAME: The Astros and Rockies will conclude this quick two-game series today with Houston looking for their fifth sweep of the season…the Astros enter today having won six of their last seven games, while going 9-4 in their last 13…on the mound today for the Astros will be rookie RHP J.P. France, who’s coming off the best start of his young career last Thursday at STL (0ER/7IP)…he’ll be opposed by the veteran RHP Chase Anderson and the Rockies.
THE FRENCHMAN:RHP J.P. France has been solid in his first 10 Major League starts, limiting his opponents to two-or-fewer earned runs in six of those outings…he’s pitched 6.0+ innings in each of his last six starts, becoming the first Astros rookie with a streak of six straight 6.0+ inning starts since RHP Chris Sampson had a nine-game streak in 2007.
ROOKIE RUMBLE: Of the nine starters the Astros have used this season, four are rookies, including today’s scheduled starter RHP J.P. France…Houston has received 32 starts from rookie pitchers, ranking third in the Majors behind Oakland (44) and Cleveland (39)…all nine starting pitchers used by the Astros in 2023 are products of their minor league system.
IN THE DAYTIME: Today is the Astros fifth consecutive day game, which is their most consecutive day games since also playing five straight from Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2007 (per Elias). AT THE HELM: Astros skipper Dusty Baker, who’s in his 26th season as a manager and his fourth in Houston, is eighth all-time in managerial wins with 2,141 (Bucky Harris is seventh with 2,158)…Baker entered this season with the best all-time win pct. of any Astros manager both in the postseason (.667, 28-14) and reg. season (.599, 230-154).
THAT’S OFFENSIVE: The Astros have hit 32 doubles and 25 homers, while scoring 94 runs in their last 16 games (5.9 runs per game)…Houston has homered in all 16 of those contests, a streak that ties as the sixth-longest in club history…the last time they had a streak of this length was back in 2021, when they homered in 18 straight games from July 19-Aug. 8. SALAMI SEASON: The Astros have hit eight grand slams this season, which matches the Dodgers for the most in the Majors…their eight grand slams also matches their season totals in 2021 and 2022 and is just three shy of the franchise record, which stands at 11, set in 2019…individually, 3B Alex Bregman leads all Major Leaguers with three grand slams this season and now has seven in his career, which ties the franchise’s career record, also reached by 2B Jose Altuve and LF Carlos Lee.
JULY FOURTH VICTORY: The Astros picked up a 4-1 win over the Rockies yesterday, giving them six straight wins on July 4th (2016-18, 2021-23)…RHP Brandon Bielak (0ER/7IP) was the story for Houston as he completed the longest start of his Major League career by allowing just two hits en route to the win…SS Grae Kessinger was the offensive hero for Houston as he connected for his first career MLB homer in a 2×4 day… DH Corey Julks also had a huge day, going 4×5 with a double.
A FIRST OF MANY: In yesterday’s victory, SS Grae Kessinger became the third Astro to hit their first career homer this season, joining Corey Julks and Yainer Diaz…Kessinger also became the third generation of his family to homer in a Major League game, joining his grandfather, Don Kessinger (1964- 79), and his uncle, Keith Kessinger (1993).
PITCHING IN: The Astros rank second in the Majors in ERA, and fourth in starter’s ERA (3.66) and bullpen ERA (3.51).
Lowest Team ERA – MLB Lowest Bullpen ERA – AL
- Minnesota: 3.59 1. New York: 2.82
- Houston: 3.60 2. Cleveland: 3.08
- Atlanta: 3.66 3. Houston: 3.51
INJURY UPDATES: The Astros have been working through several injuries…below are a few updates on sidelined players:
- 2B Jose Altuve was scratched from yesterday’s lineup with left oblique discomfort…he is currently under further evaluation.
- LF Yordan Alvarez (right oblique strain) has been hitting in the batting cage off the tee (and soft toss) and has been running on the field…he also stood in on live BP yesterday but did not swing…Alvarez was originally placed on the IL on June 9 and was given a timetable of four-plus weeks for his return.
- OF Michael Brantley (right shoulder surgery) has been shut down from all baseball activities for three to four days…prior to this shutdown, Brantley had progressed to taking BP and throwing and running on the field.
- SS Jeremy Peña has been sidelined with neck stiffness, which has kept him out of the lineup for the last five games…he is expected to return to the lineup for today’s game.
- RHP José Urquidy (right shoulder discomfort) threw 20 pitches in live BP yesterday, facing four hitters…his plan is to rest today and throw a bullpen tomorrow…a decision on when he’d begin a rehab assignment has not yet been determined.
- LHP Framber Valdez missed his last turn in the rotation due to right ankle soreness…he is expected to again start for the Astros at some point during the Mariners series this weekend.
ABREU’S REBOUND: 1B José Abreu has rebounded after a tough start in an Astros uniform to post a .301 (34×113) average with eight doubles, six homers, 25 RBI and an .859 OPS in 28 games since June 1…Abreu ranks tied for fourth in the AL in RBI and tied for seventh in the AL in extra-base hits (14) since that date.
TAP THE ROCKIES: The Astros are 20-5 in their last 25 games against the Rockies, which dates back to the start of the 2013 season…the Astros have also won eight straight games against the Rockies at Minute Maid Park, with their last loss coming on Aug. 14, 2018…this series marks the first of two against the Rockies in 2023, with the Astros visiting Colorado for a two-game series from July 18-19.
TODAY’S ASTROS STARTER: RHP J.P. FRANCE
LAST START – 6/29 AT STL: put together one of the finest starts of his young career, tossing 7.0 scoreless IP while allowing just 4 hits and striking out 2 batters to 2 walks…matched his career high in IP and was the longest scoreless outing of his careeer…did not allow an extra-base hit.
QUALITY STUFF: logged his 5th consecutive quality start in his last start and has completed 6+ innings in 6 straight starts…the last Astros rookie with 6 straight starts of 6.0+ was RHP Chris Sampson, who had a 9-game streak in 2007…the last Astros rookie with a streak of at least 5 straight quality starts was RHP Colin McHugh, who also went on a 5-game streak (8/28/14-9/21/14)…the only other Astros pitcher with a longer quality start streak this season was a 7-game streak from LHP Framber Valdez (4/4-5/9)….is T-5th for most quality starts (6) in first 10 career MLB outings among Astros pitchers, just 1 behind RHP Jared Cosart, RHP Brian Williams, RHP Dan Larson and RHP Mark Lemongello.
ROOKIE LEADERBOARD: among AL rookies (min. 50 IP), ranks 1st in ERA (3.13), 2nd in opponent batting average (.236), 2nd in WHIP (1.21) and 3rd in opponent OPS (.693).
THE FIRST FRANCE: rookie right-hander made his Major League debut with his start on May 6 at Seattle…allowed 1 earned run in 11.2 IP through his first two MLB starts…he became the 4th pitcher in club history to work 5.0-plus innings, allowing 1-or-fewer runs in each of his first 2 Major League starts…joining LHP Dallas Keuchel (2012), LHP Carlos Hernández (2001) and RHP Manny Hernández as the only other Astros pitcher to record this feat.
ON THE ROAD: has posted a 1.95 ERA (8ER/37IP) through the first 6 road starts of his career…has held opponent’s to a .611 OPS in those starts…is the lowest road ERA from an AL starting pitcher (min. 30 IP).
REVERSE SPLIT: has held left-handed batters to a .202 AVG (19×94) and .543 OPS this season…against right-handed batters, he recorded a .260 opponent AVG (34×131)
with a .800 OPS…also 8 of his 9 HR allowed have come against RHB.
PITCHING ARSENAL: he relies on 5 pitches (four-seam fastball, cutter, slider, changeup and curveball).
- his four-seam fastball has a 2,429 spin rate, which is in the 94th percentile.
- his changeup has held batters to a .088 AVG (3×34) and has a 34% whiff rate.
- his slider has a 2,613 spin rate and 34% whiff rate…opponents are batting .167 (6×36) against the pitch
- his cutter has his best spin rate at 2,683 and opponents only have 2 XBH vs it.
ABOUT FRANCE: was selected in the 14th round by the Astros in the 2018 draft out of Mississippi State…the 2023 season is his 6th in the Astros system.
- spent the entire 2022 season with Triple A Sugar Land, going 3-4 with a 3.90 ERA (48ER/110.2IP) in 34 games (15 starts)…struck out 136 hitters in his 110.2 innings, while allowing a .233 opponent average.
FRANCE’S 2023 MILB SEASON: prior to being recalled, he was with Triple A Sugar Land, going 2-1 with a 2.33 ERA (5ER/19.1IP) in 5 games (3 starts)…worked between the rotation and bullpen in the Space Cowboys’ piggyback starter role.
- had 26 strikeouts in 19.1 innings, while allowing just 9 hits on the season…posted a .136 (9×66) opponent average and a 1.03 WHIP.
- did not allow a home run this season in the homer-friendly Pacific Coast League… has not allowed a homer at the MiLB level since Aug. 13, 2022 at ELP…since that date, has made 17 total MiLB appearances (36IP).
FANNING FRANCE: posted huge strikeout numbers in his minor league career, fanning 447 in 362.1 innings pitched…are the most strikeouts by an Astros minor league
player since he entered the system in 2018.
