rockiesThe Rockies have only had six better starts in franchise history. Thanks to an 8-2 win against the Giants on Monday night at Coors Field, combined with the Dodgers getting beat by Philadelphia, the Rockies are just a half-game back of the second-place Giants and 1 1/2 behind the division-leading Dodgers in the NL West.

That’s with starting pitcher Jhoulys Chacin having opened the season on the disabled list, and still most likely having rehab starts with Triple-A Colorado Springs on Thursday and April 29 before a possible activation.

It’s with major offseason rotation addition Brett Anderson out for at least two months after suffering a broken finger while batting in his third start.

It’s with All-Star left fielder Carlos Gonzalez in a 5-for-35 slump that has seen him drive in one run in the last 10 games, defending NL batting champ and heart of the clubhouse Michael Cuddyer on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain, and Jorge De La Rosa not earning his first victory until Monday’s win over the Giants.

De La Rosa could only make it through five innings in that game, allowing one run but laboring through a 102 pitch effort that included only 59 strikes. He did, however, ease some concerns when he pitched out of a two-on, nobody-out threat in the fourth and escaped unscored upon with Giants runners on first and third with one out and the middle of the order coming up in the fifth.

“It was a good sign to see him pitch out of those jams,” manager Walt Weiss said. “It’s what was a staple for him last year, but early on [this year] he hasn’t been so good at it.”

What’s been good about the Rockies, though, is the help they have received from throughout the roster.

 

Source: MLB