The Colorado Rockies continue to push towards Opening Day with just two weeks left until the glorious words “play ball” are uttered.
The Rockies are still working on their Opening Day 26-man roster, especially with many of their expected contributors still away while participating in the World Baseball Classic. However, pitchers Brennan Bernardino, Victor Vodnik, and Jose Quintana will be returning to Rockies camp in the near future with their teams eliminated from the tournament. Rockies special assistant Vinny Castilla will return with them.
This afternoon the Rockies will face off yet again against their roommates at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick: the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks are 8-11 in Cactus League play and are 1-1 against the Rockies. This will be the third and final matchup between the two until the Spring Breakout game later this March.
Starting for the Rockies is tricky lefty and top prospect Sean Sullivan (no. 8 PuRPs). While his four-seam fastball’s low velocity is still a concern, Sullivan has impressed with his arsenal of deception and breaking pitches so far this spring. In four outings and 6 2/3 innings of work he has given up two earned runs on five hits with seven strikeouts and three walks. Although it’s unlikely Sullivan breaks camp on the big league roster, a wide-open competition for the fifth rotation spot and continued opportunities to show off his skills this spring make it less than impossible.
Starting for the Diamondbacks in a bit of a reunion is right-handed reliever Taylor Clarke. After starting his career with the Diamondbacks, Clarke spent the last three seasons with the Kansas City Royals before returning to the desert this off-season in free agency. Clarke has yet to give up an earned run this spring training with two strikeouts over four innings of work. Clarke operates with a four pitch mix and excels at avoiding walks. His primary offering is a mid-to-high 80s slider with strong glove side break.
First Pitch: 2:10 p.m. MDT