Colorado Rockies: 4 Things We’re Watching on Friday

Baseball is back from the All-Star break and the Colorado Rockies are ready to take on the Atlanta Braves for the final time at Turner Field on Friday night.

With Atlanta’s new stadium set to open next season, the Rockies hope to have their own farewell party by taking advantage of the Braves’ dismal record. Atlanta is 4-6 in its last 10 games and just 13-34 on the season at home on its way to a Major League Baseball-worst 31-58 mark.

Can the Rockies gain some momentum heading into the second half of the season? Here are four things we’ll be watching tonight when Colorado takes the field.

Can Chuck Nazty continue his hot streak?

Charlie Blackmon, Colorado’s do-everything center fielder, entered the All-Star break on a tear. In Colorado’s final game before the break, Blackmon went 2-for-4 and extended his hitting streak to six games while also stealing his 10th base of the season. During those six games, Blackmon put on a show at the plate, batting .370 (10-for-27).

Speaking on being hot at the plate…

DJ LeMahieu recorded his 15th multi-hit game within his past 26 games in Colorado’s final game before the All-Star break. During that time, the All-Star-worthy second baseman batted .396 (40-for-101) with 22 runs, seven doubles, three triples, two home runs, 14 RBI, 11 walks and one stolen base.

More from Rox Pile

• A Colorado Rockies Thanksgiving
• Colorado Rockies: What if Todd Helton had played football instead?
• Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon out for the season
• Colorado Rockies: Injuries shift look of roster ahead of Dodgers series
• Colorado Rockies: Has Sean Bouchard earned a second look in 2023?

Can Jorge keep it going?

Jorge De La Rosa struggled to start the season but, in typical fashion, he’s been warming up as the summer has progressed just like the weather.

Colorado’s all-time leader in wins put together a 4-0 mark and 1.96 ERA in June. While he hasn’t registered a victory yet in July, his ERA is 3.21 for the month in two starts. He’ll take the mound on Friday night in Atlanta with a chance to not only get the Colorado Rockies off to a good start in the second half, but also show he could be capable of helping another team in a playoff push if we were to waive his no-trade clause and Colorado would deal him.

Can two of Colorado’s power arms regain their form?

To put it mildly, Jake McGee and Jason Motte had poor showings as the first half came to a close.

McGee, Colorado’s former closer, imploded in Colorado’s loss to Philadelphia on July 8, turning what had been an impressive outing by Jon Gray into a stunning loss. He’s given up homers in his last two outings as his ERA has risen to 6.12.

Next: Why the Next 10 Games Matter So Much

Since serving up a walkoff homer in the Bronx on June 22, Motte has struggled mightily coming out of the bullpen. He has an 8.31 ERA in July, including surrendering four runs in an inning on July 10.