Rockies Lineup – June 22, 2012: Best Offense vs. Worst Pitching

Quick lineups today as we’re looking at first pitch in just a few minutes. All I have to say about this series against Texas is, hang on to your hat. The Texas Rangers are hitting .281 on the season, 8 points better than the second best team in baseball (St. Louis). The Rockies’ pitching staff proudly owns a 5.33 ERA, nearly half a run higher than the next worst team (Minnesota). This is a slugfest waiting to happen. If the Rangers score fewer than 30 runs in the series, I will be shocked. That’s not an exaggeration in the least.

One little roster note: Jonathan Herrera returns from the disabled list today, and DJ LeMahieu was optioned to make room. I’m sad to see LeMahieu go, as I think he’s been quite good. Herrera will take a turn at shortstop today to give Marco Scutaro a break, though Scutaro is still in the lineup and playing 2nd. In deference to Chris Nelson‘s hot bat of late, he will play 3rd as Jordan Pacheco rides the bench.

Dexter Fowler CF
Marco Scutaro 2B
Carlos Gonzalez LF
Jason Giambi DH
Michael Cuddyer RF
Todd Helton 1B
Chris Nelson 3B
Wilin Rosario C
Jonathan Herrera SS

Christian Friedrich LHP

Ian Kinsler 2B
Elvis Andrus SS
Josh Hamilton LF
Adrian Beltre DH
Michael Young 3B
Nelson Cruz RF
Mike Napoli 1B
Yorvit Torrealba C
Craig Gentry CF

Roy Oswalt RHP

First pitch is 6:05 from The Ballpark in Arlington.