This is one of the few times where the Rockies will be highly motivated. It's the major league pitching debut of Jon Gray, their much heralded top prospect.




Highlights are few these days in Colorado, but this is a big deal. Gray is 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA and 38 strikeouts in his last six outings at Triple A Albuquerque. The Rockies didn't want to rush Gray, but deem him ready now.




He opposes journeyman Vidal Nuno, who hasn't made a start this season. Nuno is filling in for J.A. Happ, who was dealt to Pittsburgh. Nuno has made 31 big league starts for the Yankees and Diamondbacks and has a 3-13 record with a 4.08 ERA.




The Rockies nearly beat Felix Hernandez last night losing, 8-7. They got to Hernandez for 11 hits and four runs. Hernandez couldn't get out of the seventh inning. Now Colorado steps way down in class.




The Rockies can hit at home. They are averaging 7.8 runs during their last five games at Coors Field. They also are 11-5 at home against opponents with a losing record. Seattle has been terrible following a victory going 5-21 the past 26 times that has happened.