The Colorado Rockies are staring down a truly brutal moment tonight, sitting on 99 losses. One more ‘L’ and it’s officially another cursed 100-loss season for them. But get this, that’s not even the only massive story unfolding. We’re talking about Kyle Freeland possibly pitching his final game at Coors Field as a Rockie. Can you even imagine the weight of that?
Freeland’s Farewell And The Rockies’ Grim Reality
Freeland’s been *the* guy, a true stalwart in that Rockies rotation and a clubhouse leader since way back on April 7, 2017, when he first stepped onto the Coors Field mound against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This Denver native, the Colorado Kid himself, has his contract up after this season, and there’s been zero buzz about him coming back in 2027. Think about it: he’s one of only four pitchers to log 10 Major League seasons with Colorado. That’s serious history right there.
But man, this season has been rough. He’s made only 24 starts, thanks to two separate stints on the injured list. We’re talking left shoulder inflammation in April, then cervical radiculopathy in August. Brutal! You know Freeland’s a fiery competitor, but his last outing against the San Diego Padres on September 15th was tough: four innings, three runs (all homers!), and eight hits. And his career numbers against the D-backs? Not pretty: 4-10 record, 6.28 ERA over 23 matchups. This year’s not much better: 4-10, 6.38 ERA, though he’s still somehow second in their rotation with a 0.9 fWAR. Can he shake all that off for this pivotal start?
D-backs’ Playoff Push And Soroka’s Quest
Now, don’t sleep on the Arizona Diamondbacks here. They’ve got their own mission: a magic number of “3” as they push hard for the postseason! They’re still four games back of the third-place Philadelphia Phillies, who are only one behind the San Diego Padres and two back of the leading Chicago Cubs. Yeah, the Snakes’ chances are slim, but they are absolutely still alive in this race, fighting with everything they’ve got.
They’re throwing right-hander Michael Soroka tonight. He signed with the D-backs as a free agent in the winter and has been one of their better arms, whenever he’s been healthy, that is. He’s had his own injured list battles: a left glute strain that took him out from June 20th to August 4th, then right arm inflammation from August 23rd to September 9th. Dude’s been through it! His last start against the Miami Marlins was solid though: five innings, just one run (a solo shot), two hits, one walk, and six strikeouts. He’s faced the Rockies five times, going 1-2 with a 3.20 ERA. His only outing at Coors Field back on May 17th? Two runs on six hits with two walks and eight strikeouts over 5.2 innings. He’s ready to go.
So, tonight’s a total heavyweight clash! Can Freeland, the kid from 15 minutes south of Coors Field, dig deep for one final win in his home ballpark? Can he end his storied Rockies career on a high note by totally spoiling the Snakes’ desperate playoff push? Or do the D-backs keep their postseason dream alive and send the Rockies crashing into triple-digit losses? You absolutely HAVE to tune in to find out! First Pitch is 6:40pm MT. Don’t miss a single moment of this!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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