The Arizona Diamondbacks’ homestand continues with a four-game set against the Colorado Rockies, which starts with a Memorial Day matinee Monday at 1:10 pm The game can be seen on Bally Sports Arizona. Return here for news, updates and more.
Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (1-2, 5.02) vs. Rockies RHP Karl Kauffmann (0-2, 9.35).
Nelson turned in a strong start against the Phillies last week, giving up just one run in six innings, with no walks and four strikeouts. In four starts this month he owns a 3.00 ERA with six walks and 17 strikeouts in 21 innings. … Nelson has pitched more effectively with his fastball of late. Opponents hit .382 off the pitch in the first month of the season, when he averaged 93.9 mph, but have hit .255 against it in May, during which time the pitch has ticked up to 95.2 mph. … Kauffmann, a 2019 second-round pick out of Michigan, will be making his third career start. His first two did not go particularly well. He has allowed a total of 10 runs (nine earned) in 8 2/3 innings, walking five and striking out six. … He had a 7.78 ERA in eight starts in hitter-friendly Triple-A Albuquerque before being promoted earlier this month. … He averages just 90.3 mph with his sinker. He also throws a four-seam fastball, change-up and slider.
Coming up
Tuesday: At Chase Field, 6:40 pm, Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (6-2, 2.97) vs. Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (4-5, 3.86).
Wednesday: At Chase Field, 6:40 pm, Diamondbacks LHP Tommy Henry (2-1, 4.50) vs. Rockies RHP Connor Seabold (1-2, 5.94).
Thursday: At Chase Field, 12:40 pm, Diamondbacks RHP Zach Davies (0-1, 5.68) vs. Rockies RHP Chase Anderson (0-0, 1.31).
What to know about the Colorado Rockies
The Rockies lost two out of three to the Diamondbacks in Denver at the end of April, dropping their record to 9-20. They have played better since, entering Sunday with a 14-10 record in May. They took three of four from the Marlins last week and entered their series finale against the Mets with a chance to take two of three. Several of their hitters have been productive this month, including OF Randal Grichuk (.343 average, .889 OPS) and C Elias Diaz (.351, .980). OF Jurickson Profar has two homers, 10 walks and a .286 average in May. Even their pitching staff has been better. Former Diamondbacks RHP Chase Anderson has provided a lift, turning in three starts with a 1.72 ERA since being claimed off waivers from the Rays. LHP Kyle Freeland (3.24 ERA in May) and LHP Austin Gomber (4.40 ERA) have kept the Rockies in games this month.
Monday’s Diamondbacks-Rockies pitching matchup
Diamondbacks LHP Tommy Henry (2-1, 4.68) vs. Rockies RHP Karl Kauffmann (0-2, 9.35).
Coming up
Tuesday: At Chase Field, 6:40 pm, Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (6-2, 2.97) vs. Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (4-5, 3.86).
Wednesday: At Chase Field, 6:40 pm, Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (1-2, 5.02) vs. Rockies RHP Connor Seabold (1-2, 5.94).
Thursday: At Chase Field, 12:40 p.m
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Pitching matchups for Monday’s Diamondbacks-Rockies series opener