Baseball: NLDS Playoffs: Overall scenic view of Miller Park during Milwaukee Brewers vs Arizona Diamondbacks game. Game 1. Milwaukee, WI 10/1/2011 CREDIT: John Biever (Photo by John Biever /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X86468 TK1 R4 F63 )
The Jays are in beautiful, downtown Phoenix, Arizona (well, I don’t know if it is beautiful or not), for three games against the Diamondbacks. Yet another park with a retractable roof. I remember how strange it was when the Jays had the retractable roof, all those years ago. They had real grass in Phoenix until 2019 when they put in fake grass. They say it was to save water, as Arizona does have water supply issues.
My parents did the snowbird thing to Arizona, every year, for many years, Yuma. I haven’t been there, but it seemed like a nothing little place in the desert. One of the ways I’m different than they were: I like the idea of going somewhere new, instead of going to the same place all time. But then, they had their friends and activities there.
I’d like to go to Phoenix sometime. Not in the next three years, but maybe sometime after that.
“My dad always taught me: Hit the ball to left field,” he said.
Which, during his childhood in Orange County, made Garret Anderson his favorite baseball player to watch growing up.
The Angels’ Garret Anderson was Freddie Freeman’s favorite baseball player. Getty Images
“As a left-handed hitter, seeing him be able to hit line drives to left field whenever it felt like he pleased, he could do it,” Freeman said. “He made me, as a little boy, love watching the game of baseball.”
That’s why Friday’s stunning news of Anderson’s death, at age 53, struck an especially somber chord for Freeman –– who not only idolized Anderson as a kid but eventually forged a personal relationship with the three-time All-Star as his own MLB career took off.
“You always hear, ‘Don’t meet your heroes,’” Freeman told The California Post. “But then I got to meet him, and I was like, ‘I’m glad I did.’ Because he was a beautiful man. And I wish he was still here. He meant a lot to so many people … I’m at a loss for words really.”
An avid Angels fan in his adolescent years, Freeman always marveled at Anderson’s approach in the box and the ease with which he sent so many of his 2,529 career hits screaming the other way over the shortstop’s head.
It served as inspiration for Freeman’s own game, giving him a role model to look up to as a similarly tall, lanky left-handed hitter always looking to go to the opposite field.
“I just loved watching Garret hit and Darin Erstad play defense,” Freeman recalled of going to Angels games as a kid with his dad. “When you’re taught to hit the ball to left field, and then you see a major leaguer who is pretty much doing what you’re being taught to do, you gravitate toward him.”
Eventually, Freeman’s own career would bring him into Anderson’s direct orbit.
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In 2009, they were in spring training together with the Braves, when Freeman was just a teenage prospect and Anderson was a 16-year veteran who had just left the Angels.
While Freeman relished his brief interactions with Anderson in that year’s camp –– he still vividly recalls stretching alongside him on the field –– he never mentioned his childhood admiration to his new, elder teammate.
Instead, it wasn’t until 2019 that Anderson “finally caught wind” he’d been Freeman’s favorite player, the Dodgers star joked.
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman (5) patterned his game after former Angels player Garret Anderson. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
And before long, they formed a connection while crossing paths around Orange County.
Turned out, Anderson’s children went to school at Orange Lutheran, where one of Freeman’s uncles worked and got to know the Anderson family.
In recent years, Freeman and Anderson also became occasional golf partners, playing together at Shady Canyon Golf Club in Irvine.
Freeman’s favorite memories of Anderson were from every time he visited Angel Stadium with the Dodgers. If Anderson was there, Freeman would wave over Dodgers team photographer Jon SooHoo to get a picture of them.
“Like, ‘Jon! Jon! Get me and my favorite player!’” Freeman recalled with a laugh.
Like the rest of the baseball world, Freeman said he was shocked to learn of Anderson’s passing Friday.
“53 is too young,” he said. “Getting to know him, and how nice and genuine and wonderful of a human as he was –– it doesn’t make sense.”
At one point, he almost got choked up while describing the impact Anderson had on him.
“To say he ‘was‘ my favorite baseball player is really saddening to me,” Freeman said. “But I don’t wanna talk about the sad stuff because he brought so much joy to so many people.”
July 18, 2008; Anaheim CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Garret Anderson (16) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Garret Anderson, the multitalented outfielder who became the Los Angeles Angels’ career hits leader and led the team to its only World Series title, has died. He was 53.
The Angels announced Anderson’s death Friday morning without immediately disclosing the cause or location.
Anderson reached the majors with the then-California Angels in 1994 and played for the club until 2008, primarily as a left fielder. He was a fixture in the heart of their batting order for his entire tenure, becoming the franchise’s career leader in games played (2,013), hits (2,368), RBIs (1,292), total bases (3,743), extra-base hits (796), doubles (489) and grand slams (8).
“The Angels organization is mourning the loss of one of our franchise’s most beloved icons, Garret Anderson,” Angels owner Arte Moreno said in a statement. “Garret was a cornerstone of our organization throughout his 15 seasons, and his stoic presence in the outfield and our clubhouse elevated the Angels into an era of continued success, highlighted by the 2002 World Series championship. Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class and loyalty throughout his career and beyond. His admiration and respect for the game was immeasurable.”
The Angels will wear a memorial patch this season bearing Anderson’s initials, the team announced. They will hold a moment of silence Friday before the Angels host the San Diego Padres.
Anderson was a three-time AL All-Star who finished as high as fourth in the AL MVP balloting during his 17-year major league career. He won two Silver Slugger awards, and he memorably won both the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game MVP award in 2003 in Chicago.
“Garret Anderson was a huge part of Angels history and inspired so many of us who wear this uniform,” Trout wrote on social media. “Keeping his family in my thoughts and prayers.”
In 2002, Anderson batted .306 and drove in a team-leading 123 runs for the then-Anaheim Angels, who won 99 games and earned a wild-card playoff berth. The Halos stormed through the playoffs to this franchise’s only championship, overcoming a 3-2 series deficit to Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants to win the World Series.
Anderson was a key factor in the Fall Classic, batting 9 of 32 with six RBIs. He drove in the final three runs of the series with a tiebreaking three-run double in the third inning of the Angels’ 4-1 victory over the Giants in Game 7.
Anderson’s other baseball accomplishments included a 10-RBI game on Aug. 21, 2007.
Anderson finished his career with Atlanta and the Los Angeles Dodgers before his retirement in 2011. He batted .293 with 2,529 hits, 287 homers and 1,365 RBIs in the majors.
Anderson was inducted into the Angels’ Hall of Fame in 2016, and he had regularly worked for the team as a television broadcaster on its pregame and postgame shows over the ensuing decade. He lived in coastal Newport Beach with his family.
Anderson was born in Los Angeles on June 30, 1972. He attended Granada Hills High School in the suburban San Fernando Valley before the Angels drafted him in the fourth round in 1990.
The Angels said Anderson is survived by his wife, Teresa, daughters Brianne and Bailey, and son Garret “Trey” Anderson III.
Aerial view of downtown Phoenix, Arizona, United States, looking northeast to Camelback Mountain, featuring the Westward Ho Hotel and the red-roofed Post Office building, 1970. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images) | Gado via Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
BLUE JAYS
DIAMONDBACKS
Davis Schneider – LF
Ketel Marte – 2B
Daulton Varsho – CF
Corbin Carroll – RF
Vladimir Guerrero – 1B
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Jesus Sanchez – RF
Jose Fernandez – DH
Lenyn Sosa – DH
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Andres Gimenez – SS
Ildemaro Vargas – 1B
Kazuma Okamoto – 3B
James McCann – C
Ernie Clement – 2B
Tim Tawa – LF
Tyler Heineman – C
Jorge Barrosa – CF
Eric Lauer – LHP
Michael Soroka – RHP
The D-backs come home after a road-trip which likely surpassed all expectations. I know I would not have minded too much if they had gone 4-5 over those nine games. 5-4 would have been a good result. But for the D-backs to go 6-3, winning all three series, was beyond anything I would have predicted. Now, it is worth noting that the three teams they faced have all been struggling. The Mets, Phillies and Orioles, were all initially expected to be contenders this year. ZIPS preseason projection had the trio each winning between 88-91 games. Instead, they are all below .500, with a combined record of 24-32. Even discounting our games, they’re 21-26: not as good as expected.
The Mets, in particular, are startling. Their cash payroll is over $360 million, most in the majors by thirty million dollars. But it’s as if the D-backs broke them. Beginning with our two victories over them, New York have now lost nine games in a row, and have slumped to a mark of 7-13. After today’s loss in Chicago, that currently gives them sole possession of the worst record in the National League. Hard fact: no Mets team in history that lost nine games in a row, has won more than 77 games that year. I think maybe it’s a scheme to get out of a salary cap, because Manfred can point at the Mets and say, “See? Money isn’t everything!” [Adjusts tin-foil hat]
Anyway, back in D-backs land, the scuttlebutt has Lourdes Gurriel Jr. joining the team at some point this series. It’ll be interesting to see what the move it. Luken Baker has only have five PA since being called up on April 7, so would seem a credible option – especially with Gurriel being expected to play mostly at DH initially. He doesn’t have any options left, so sending him down would involve a DFA. That would open a 40-man roster spot, although worth noting they do NOT have to do so for Gurriel. He has been on the 10-day IL this season, so still requires his own 40-man slot. So they could alternatively option Tim Tawa down to Reno.
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs expect right-hander Cade Horton to miss 15 to 16 months following season-ending surgery on his pitching elbow, manager Craig Counsell said on Friday.
They will also have to get by without reliever Daniel Palencia for the next few weeks after placing him on the 15-day injured list because of a strained left oblique.
The 24-year-old Horton underwent an ulnar collateral ligament revision on Thursday, his second reconstructive surgery on the elbow. He had Tommy John surgery as a freshman at Oklahoma in 2021.
“Cade talked about just kind of worrying about today and make today the best you can and just keep doing that, and that’s how you somehow speed this process along a little bit,” Counsell said. “But if you get too far ahead of yourself, it’s certainly a long recovery and that doesn’t help.”
Horton walked off the mound in Cleveland on April 3 after just 17 pitches. His velocity had dropped from 96 mph in the first inning to 93.8 mph on his final pitch before he waved toward the dugout. He beat Washington a week earlier in his season debut, holding the Nationals to two runs in 6 1/3 innings.
Horton finished second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting last year. He was 11-4 with a 2.67 ERA in 118 innings last season.
Palencia is 1-0 with a save and has not allowed a run in five appearances. He had 22 saves last season.
The Yankees ace displayed strong command, along with some rust, in his 4 ¹/₃-inning outing, allowing three runs (one home run), three hits and one walk, while throwing 44 pitches (36 strikes) and recording three strikeouts.
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The 2023 AL Cy Young winner, who isn’t expected to rejoin the Yankees until late May or early June, hadn’t pitched in an official game since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series.
“I have a lot of confidence, but tonight was probably not the exact same guy,” Cole said. “Hopefully, it’s on its way.”
Cole took the mound to a standing ovation, giving the minor league crowd a rare chance to see a potential Hall of Famer at the 6,100-seat ballpark. Even rarer was the sight of a six-time All-Star eager to step onto such a stage, making his long-awaited return.
“I felt good,” said Cole, who threw 2 ²/₃ innings in two outings during spring training. “It was fun to get back out there, game situations, a little extra adrenaline with the crowd.”
In a perfect first inning, Cole nearly surrendered a home run to right to Reading’s second batter, Carson DeMartini, but the ball drifted foul, allowing the right-hander to recover with a swing-and-miss breaking ball for a strikeout.
Gerrit Cole pitching during his rehab outing with Double-A Somerset on April 17, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Before the second inning, Cole was thrown a curveball when his temporary teammates batted around in a five-run frame. Following the 20-plus-minute wait, Cole issued a one-out walk, then surrendered a two-out, run-scoring double, followed by an opposite-field, two-run homer.
“I didn’t come out quite so sharp that inning so that was a good challenge,” Cole said. “That was really the only time the command was a little shaky. The walk was a bad walk.”
In a four-pitch third inning, Cole found frustration — and a reminder of the lowest moment of his career — when he didn’t immediately break for first base on a grounder to the right side, though Somerset first baseman Coby Morales stepped on the bag in time.
Gerrit Cole got touched up for a few runs in the second inning. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“I got there late,” Cole said. “That was not good.”
The 35-year-old, whose fastball consistently reached the mid-90s, needed just four pitches to complete the fourth inning. He returned for one more at-bat and finished by fielding his position, leaving to his loudest applause of the night.
“Probably the only thing I didn’t accomplish was really moving the four-seam [fastball] as well as I know I can,” Cole said. “I was pleased with the changeup. I misexecuted one. The curveball was very sharp. I didn’t make any mistakes with that pitch. The slider was good. I hung one slider. … The fastball was good overall. Good pressure at the top and a lot of strikes, but I know I can move it better.”
Cole isn’t the only nine-figure starter the Yankees expect back in the near future.
Carlos Rodón — who underwent surgery on his left elbow in October — is scheduled to throw live batting practice Saturday at Somerset after throwing 50 pitches in a simulated setting Monday at Yankee Stadium. Rodón, 33, had been on the verge of making a rehab start, but suffered a setback two weeks ago when he felt tightness in his hamstring.
“We’re very excited to get those guys back,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Friday. “We know how good they are their entire careers. We know what they’re capable of. But it’s a process, too, of getting them back. They’re still a little ways off. The biggest thing right now is making sure they’re checking all the boxes and getting built up properly and then hopefully, when they enter back into the rotation, we get the impact we hope and expect.”
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 19: Emmet Sheehan #80 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pithes in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 19, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dodgers continue their weekend series against the Colorado Rockies on Saturday night in Denver, with Emmet Sheehan coming off his best start of the season.
Sheehan struck out six in six innings against the Texas Rangers last Saturday at home, allowing three runs. The right-hander has started three times at Coors Field and won all three games, with a 4.76 ERA in 17 innings, with 22 strikeouts against only two walks.
Right-hander Ryan Feltner starts for the Rockies. He’s allowed 10 runs in 12 1/3 innings in his three starts this season, with nine strikeouts and six walks.
Aug 3, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: John Froschauer-Imagn Images | John Froschauer-Imagn Images
Athletics pitcher Aaron Civale will get the start tonight at home against the Chicago White Sox. | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The Athletics are back at it this evening at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento as they begin a three-game series against the American League Central rivals, the Chicago White Sox. The 6-13 White Sox are currently sitting in last place in the AL Central while the A’s are 10-9 and are tied for first place with the Texas Rangers
Aaron Civale, the 30-year-old righty will get the start for the A’s tonight. He’s currently 2-0 with a 1.72 ERA in his first season with the Athletics. He’ll go up against 29-year-old righty Davis Martin for the White Sox. Martin is 2-1 with a 2.50 ERA in three starts for Chicago, while tossing 15 strikeouts in 18 innings of work.
Martin will go up against this lineup for the homestanding Athletics:
Gerrit Cole completed his first rehab start in Friday's Double-A game between the Yankees' Somerset Patriots and the Philadelphia Phillies' Reading Fightin Phils.
New York's ace RHP threw 44 pitches (36 strikes), allowed three runs on as many hits (one home run) while striking out three and walking one in 4.1 IP.
Still working with an overhead windup, Cole (Tommy John surgery recovery) delivered a perfect first inning with a strikeout sandwiched between two groundouts.
A perfect first inning for Gerrit Cole in Somerset!
Cole's plan is to "just recover the next couple days and see when the next turn is," he said.
"Early, it was just fastballs for strikes," Cole said of his approach. "As many, heart of the plate -- as many as we can go, just start repping that out. The second inning, I tried to kind of move it a little more. But I paid the price for that, just not being sharp. And then after that, my fastball location was really high. So, I came through the lineup a second time and tried some off-speed and had a good run of lefties so work some changeups, get some curveballs for Strike 1, curveball for Strike 1 to a right-hander. So, probably the only thing I didn't really accomplish was really kind of moving the four-seam as well as I know I can. But it looked really good from a metrics standpoint, and we were in the zone a lot, which was probably the main goal."
In spring training, Cole made two starts, totaling 2.2 IP, but this was different, he said.
"No, no nerves," Cole said of his first rehab start. "But even in the spring training games, you know can get rolled. So, if you need to get two innings, they'll figure out a way to make you get two innings. And that's not the case when you do this. ... At some point, you've got to collect outs. It's nice to go out there and throw a bunch of fastballs and fill the zone up. But if it doesn't go your way, you've got to figure out how to keep going. So, that is just a little extra level compared to spring training. And that not only presses you in terms of your pitches but in terms of all your other defensive aspects, whether it be picks or backing up or covering, etcetera."
Cole's last non-spring start for the Yankees was Game 5 of the 2024 World Series against the Los Angles Dodgers, but he has not thought about his rehab's finish line.
"It's exciting, yeah, it's exciting," Cole said. "But I'm not looking farther than really what I've got to do the next couple days. Looking too far ahead and thinking about that would kind of take me out what I need to do right now, which is focus on one day at a time -- which, when you're in the thick of it in the big leagues, is what you've got to do. So, in that sense, I'm just trying to get back in the swing of things and do that process and not really focus on where I am in terms of the rehab or how close it is to the end."
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: Freddy Fermin #42 of the San Diego Padres walks to the dugout before the game against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park on April 15, 2026 in San Diego, California. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres (13-6) at Los Angeles Angels (10-10), April 17, 2026, 6:38 p.m. PST
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Apr 4, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow (31) throws to the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images | Brad Mills-Imagn Images
The Dodgers (14-4) open a four-game series against the Colorado Rockies (7-12) starting Friday night at in Denver.
Tyler Glasnow (1-0, 4.00 ERA, 0.94 WHIP) makes his first career start at Coors Field in the series opener. Right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano (1-0, 2.16 ERA, 0.78 WHIP) will counter for Colorado.
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 5: Kyle Leahy #62 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Comerica Park on April 5, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The St. Louis Cardinals will continue their strong start to the 2026 season by opening a series in Houston versus the Astros Friday night. Kyle Leahy is scheduled to make the start for the Cardinals. He’s 1-2 with a 5.14 ERA. Peter Lambert will start Friday night for the Astros. 7:15pm central is scheduled to be the first pitch at Daikin Park.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros hits an rbi single scoring Jeremy Peña #3 against the Athletics in the top of the first inning at Sutter Health Park on April 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Houston Astros (8-12) will open a three-game series with their former division rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals (10-8), tonight at Daikin Park.
RHP Peter Lambert (season debut), selected from Triple A today, will make his first regular season appearance for the Astros tonight opposite the Cardinals and starter RHP Kyle Leahy (1-2, 5.14 ERA).
TONIGHT’S STARTER: RHP Peter Lambert joined the Astros via free agency this offseason after pitching last year for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in the NPB, posting a 3.98 ERA (55ER/124.1IP) with 111 strikeouts in 23 appearances in Japan.
This season, Lambert made his case by getting off to a strong start at Triple A Sugar Land, where he posted a 1.84 ERA (3ER/14.2IP) in three games (two starts), while also impressing at Major League Spring Training as a non-roster invite (1-1, 2.92 ERA, 4ER/12.1IP). A former Rockie, Lambert has 74 career MLB appearances, including 35 starts.
HOME-COOKIN’: Tonight is the fourth game of a six-game homestand for the Astros, in which they’ll host a pair of NL opponents in the Rockies (2-1) and Cardinals. The Astros have been great at home in 2026, going 7-3, including a seven-game winning streak, which was snapped last night.
VS. THE CARDS: This series is a matchup of former division rivals, who spent 19 seasons together in the NL Central from 1994-2012.
Overall, the two teams have played each other 722 times, with the Astros going 336-384.
These teams also have postseason history, with the Astros going 7-6 vs. the Cards in the playoffs. The two clubs faced off in back-to-back NLCS in 2004-05 with St. Louis taking the ‘04 NLCS in seven games and Houston winning the ‘05 NLCS in six games.
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVES: The Astros have selected RHP Peter Lambert (#38) to the Major League roster today. He takes the roster spot of RHP Christian Roa, who was optioned to Triple A Sugar Land after last night’s game.
In a corresponding move, the Astros transferred LHP Josh Hader to the 60-day IL.
EXTRA! EXTRA!:2B Jose Altuve recorded his 750th career extra-base hit last night with his 461st career double. He also has 32 triples and 257 home runs, all coming as an Astro. Only Craig Biggio (1,014) and Jeff Bagwell (969) have more extra-base hits than Altuve in franchise history.
GETTING ON :IF Isaac Paredes has an active on-base streak of 13 games, which ties as the longest active streak in the AL. During the run, which dates back to March 28, Paredes has posted a .375 OBP.
ON THE MEND: OF Zach Dezenzo (right elbow sprain) will begin a rehab assignment with Double A Corpus Christi tonight. Additionally, LHP Bennett Sousa (left oblique strain) is scheduled to make another rehab appearance at Corpus Christi tonight.
FAITH & FAMILY NIGHT: Tonight is Faith and Family Night at the ballpark. After the final out, fans are encouraged to stay for special postgame testimonials featuring Spencer Arrighetti, Carlos Correa and Shay Whitcomb.
Friday Night Fireworks presented by ConocoPhillips, will also be part of Faith and Family Night, as they will feature the musical theme Faith and Family.
TONIGHT’S SPECIAL GUESTS:SS Jeremy Peña will host students from Raul C. Martinez Elementary School tonight for Peña’s Pals.
In its fourth year, Pena’s Pals was developed by Jeremy in partnership with the Astros Foundation. The program celebrates kids and their development in academics, character building and making healthy choices.
THIS WEEKEND’S GIVEAWAYS: Tonight, 10,000 fans will receive a Carlos Correa City Connect Jersey, presented by Houston Methodist.
Tomorrow, 10,000 fans will receive an Astros Ice Cream Bucket Hat, presented by Texas Bay Credit Union.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Friday, April 17, 7:10 p.m. CST
Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
TV: Space City Home Network
Streaming: SCHN+
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; KTRH 740 AM; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
Apr 10, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (11) delivers during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
The Colorado Rockies (7–12) return home after a rough 1–6 road trip, salvaging the finale in Houston with a gutty, arguably career-best outing from Chase Dollander (5.1 IP, 0 R, 9 K).
They now return to Coors Field after stops in San Diego and Houston — only to be greeted by a much different environment. Frigid temperatures are expected at first pitch after snow moved through the area earlier in the day, adding another variable to tonight’s game.
It’s been a familiar early-season formula for the Rox:
A rotation that’s struggled to provide length (and is dealing with injuries)
A bullpen that’s been excellent — but is starting to feel the workload
An offense that shows flashes, but hasn’t found consistency
Now comes the real test.
We know what the Los Angeles Dodgers are. A behemoth — the behemoth.
The early-season numbers just confirm what everyone expected. It was never really a question of whether this team would be great — it’s a question of how great. 116 wins? Another title? Something even more absurd? It’s not out of the realm.
They arrive at 14–4 with the best record in baseball, leading MLB in AVG/OBP/SLG and producing runs at one of the highest rates in the league. Their pitching staff has been just as strong, with a top-five rotation and a top-10 bullpen ERA.
And, as usual, expect plenty of Dodger Blue in the stands.
Taking the mound for Colorado is Tomoyuki Sugano (1-0, 2.16 ERA, 12 K/16.2 IP). Sugano has been one of the early bright spots in the rotation, posting strong surface results while leaning on his trademark command and deep pitch mix. A true control artist to start the year, he attacks hitters with a mix of fastballs, cutters, splitters, and breaking stuff — keeping batters off balance rather than overpowering them.
His start was pushed back a day, which could help a taxed staff, but tonight’s matchup presents a real challenge. Sugano has done well limiting damage so far, but with a contact-oriented profile and a Dodgers lineup that punishes mistakes top to bottom, his margin for error at Coors Field is thin.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will counter with Tyler Glasnow (1–0, 4.00 ERA, 22 K in 18 IP). Glasnow pairs elite swing-and-miss stuff (31% strikeout rate) with solid command, featuring a devastating mix of upper-90s fastballs and a heavy curveball. When he’s on, he can dominate any lineup.
Cold weather can affect a pitcher’s feel on the ball — making grip a little less reliable and slightly muting pitch movement, especially on breaking balls — but even with those variables, Glasnow still can miss bats at a level few pitchers can match. If the Rockies are going to have success, they’ll need to stay disciplined, work counts, and capitalize on the few mistakes he might make.
For Colorado, the path to staying competitive is pretty clear:
Sugano needs to provide real length to protect a taxed bullpen
The offense has to be pesky — work counts, take pitches, avoid chasing
And Coors Field needs to play like an advantage
Because if this turns into a depth game, the Dodgers have the obvious edge.
