While most everyone in Denver was focused on the start of Denver Broncos training camp, some big things happened with the Colorado Rockies.
The Rockies are in the nation’s capital to face off with the Washington Nationals this weekend, although the first game of that series has officially been postponed. The make-up game is set for Sunday, July 30th as a part of a series-concluding double header. The Rockies will now begin their series against the Nationals on Saturday night when Kyle Freeland (10-7, 3.64 ERA) will face off against Erick Fedde (0-0, 0.00 ERA). This matchup is subject to change if the managers decide to push back their respective rotations after the postponement.
The postponement of the game also pushed back another event for the Rockies. After trading three minor-leaguers to acquire the All-Star reliever, Pat Neshek was expected to make his first appearance in purple and black Friday night. That, obviously, will no longer be possible.
In a corresponding roster move, the Rockies have placed outfielder Ian Desmond on the 10-day disabled list. This comes at an unfortunate time for Desmond, as it will keep him from playing in what would have been his first return to the District of Columbia in the two years since he departed the Nationals.
The Rockies are currently 14.5 games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, but still sit in the second Wild Card position in the National League, just a game and a half behind the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Rockies hold a 4.5 game lead over the closest challenger to that Wild Card slot, the Milwaukee Brewers.