The Rockies and Diamondbacks postponed their series finals in Arizona on Thursday when Major League Baseball became a member of sports leagues across the country in protest of racial injustice.
Colorado released the following statement: “After reflection and meeting as a group, Rockies players have decided not to play the current game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, to stand in solidarity with athletes and sports teams against social injustice.”
RELATED: Emotional Trevor Story about the Rockies’ decision not to play on Thursday: “We had a chance to stand up for our man yesterday. We did not do that. ”
The last-minute proposal, however, was unexpected, with the Rockies announcing their lineup at about 2:30 p.m., in addition to manager Bud Black speaking to reporters prior to the planned first pitch of 4:10 p.m.
Matt Kemp – who sat out Wednesday’s game after shooting Jacob Blake police in Wisconsin – was expected to return Thursday to the lineup as Colorado’s designated hitter.
“These are times that conversations happen and emotions are shown,” Black said. “These are good things because we are talking about situations in our country that are real and need to change. … These discussions will hopefully make a change over time. ”
After reflection and meeting as a group, Rockies players have decided not to play the current game against Arizona Diamondbacks, in solidarity with athletes and sports teams against social injustice.
– Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) August 27, 2020
We stand with our brothers at the @Rockies. https://t.co/4RO8Cdhz1o
Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 27, 2020
On deck
Padres RHP Zach Davies (4-2, 3.03 ERA) by Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (2-1, 2.87 ERA)
6:40 p.m. Friday, Coors Field
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: KOA 850 AM / 94.1 AM
Freeland has established itself as the Rockies’ most consistent starting pitcher, with the left-hander earning a quality start this season in all six of his outings – the second-longest streak in team history. Freeland put Colorado in position to defeat the Dodgers in LA in its previous start, but a shaky bullpen ruined its 3-2 lead in the sixth for a Rockies loss. Freeland is 3-3 lifelong against the Padres with a 3.60 ERA over 10 games (eight starts). At home, Freeland has a 2.29 ERA this year. Davies has gone at least six innings in five of his six starts this season, and he comes in Friday night with a return-to-win. However, the Rockies defeated Davies, 9-6, in an August 2 game in which he allowed three deserved runs (two homers) over five innings. This will be Davies’ second career start against Colorado.
Trending: The Rockies’ starting rotation went into Thursday night, leading the NL in overall innings (175.2) and quality starts (17). Colorado ranks second in MLB behind the Cleveland Indians with 182.1 IP and 22 QS.
To order: Colorado has lost nine of its last 13 games since the start of the year 11-3. However, prior to Thursday’s postponement of the game in Arizona, the Rockies had won three straight against the Diamondbacks.
Pitching likely:
Saturday: Padres RHP Adrian Merjon (0-0, 5.79) by Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (3-1, 3.96 ERA), 6:10 p.m., ATTRM
Sunday: Padres RHP Chris Paddack (2-3, 5.15) by Rockies RHP Ryan Castellani (1-1, 3.54), 13.10 hrs, ATTRM
Monday: Padres TBD at Rockies RHP German Marquez (2-4, 4.50), 7:40 pm, ATTRM
