Rockies Game Preview: 6/17

     The Colorado Rockies are north of the border tonight as they will be taking on the Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto. The Rockies won two straight against the Phillies to take the series against them and they were able to show up offensively each of the last two games. The absence of Troy Tulowitzki is not evident after just two games without him, but he surely will be missed later on down the road especially if Josh Rutledge continues to struggle at the plate.

     Jorge De La Rosa will be getting the ball tonight to take on the Blue Jays. On the year De La Rosa is 7-4 with a 3.49 ERA. He did not have his best stuff the last time out against the Nationals as he gave up three runs in 5 1/3rd innings pitched. He took the loss in the game. He will be looking to bounce back against the Blue Jays tonight and get back on track to what he was doing previously in the season. On the road this year De La Rosa is 2-3 with a 3.57 ERA in seven starts. Current Blue Jays players are hitting just .222 off of De La Rosa in his career in 45 combined at bats. Tonight he will be looking to control the strike zone again and keep the ball low and away from the power of the lineup.

     The Blue Jays will be sending former Marlin Josh Johnson. Johnson has compiled an 0-2 record on the year with a high 5.40 ERA. Johnson spent some time on the disabled list and missed all of May so he is working his way back into shape on the mound. When he has his good stuff Johnson is one of the premier pitchers in the league but he has failed to be consistent and has battled injuries throughout his career. At home this year Johnson has a 0-0 record with a 4.63 ERA in four starts. Current Rockies hitters have not had much success against Johnson as they are hitting a combined .250 with one home run and seven RBI in 52 at bats. Dexter Fowler has had the most success against him as he is 4-6 with two doubles and an RBI.

     The Blue Jays lineup for tonight's game against the Rockies is as follows:
1. Melky Cabrera, DH
2. Jose Bautista, RF
3. Edwin Encarnacion, 3B
4. Adam Lind, 1B
5. Mark DeRosa, 2B
6. Rajai Davis, LF
7. Colby Rasmus, CF
8. JP Arencibia, C
9. Maicer Izturis, SS

     The Rockies lineup for the game tonight is as follows:
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. DJ LeMahieu, 2B
3. Carlos Gonzalez, DH
4. Michael Cuddyer, RF
5. Todd Helton, 1B
6. Wilin Rosario, C
7. Tyler Colvin, LF
8. Nolan Arenado, 3B
9. Jonathan Herrera, SS

     First pitch for the game tonight is at 5:07 PM Mountain time.