Tyler Matzek, Eddie Butler Vs Arizona, Where’s Jordan Lyles?

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jordan Lyles (24). Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Something is brewing in Colorado Rockies land, specifically in the starting rotation.  When I sit down to write my bi-weekly Rockies prediction column (which by the way, I’m 7-0-1*), I use the Rockies “probable pitchers” page.  As of this writing late Sunday evening, the page only lists two starters.

It was announced on Saturday that the Rockies were moving Kyle Kendrick to Sunday to face off against the Padres (which didn’t end well) which pushed Tyler Matzek to Monday’s series opener versus the Arizona Diamondbacks.  With Matzek leaving his last start with a cramp in his hamstring, this move made sense.

Currently, the Rockies list Eddie Butler as Tuesday May 5th’s starter versus Arizona.  Math isn’t my speciality but that means they are bringing Butler back on 3 days rest after pitching Friday May 1st.  Butler threw 82 pitches that Friday evening.  This moves does not make sense.

So where’s Jordan Lyles?

We last saw Jordan Lyles on Wednesday April 29 getting lambasted by the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Of course, Lyles was pouring gasoline on the fire with five (5) walks.  It was Mr. Lyles’ second game this season where he walked five batters.  Lyles has had three of five appearances be solid if not spectacular including his April 23rd outing where he breathed in rarified air for all Rockies starters- – namely the 7th inning.

With no announced starter yet for Wednesday night’s game, something has to be happening with Jordan Lyles.  Is he hurt?

Are we going to see a spot start by Christian Bergman?  Bergman, like Butler, pitched on Friday May 1st.  Bergman threw 33 pitches (22 of them for strikes).

Changing gears back to my regular “Crystal Ball” predictions…

The * in my 7-0-1 predictions bracket is that I originally predicted a Padres sweep.  I then amended it to the Rockies winning one game but still losing the series.  The Rockies lost the series, that’s the crux of me keeping my perfect score.

My prediction for this series, even amidst the uncertainty in the rotation,

Rockies will win this series.