Colorado Rockies Lose in Milwaukee: 3 Positives

Brutal. That’s about the only word that can describe the Colorado Rockies’ 4-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday night in Milwaukee.

Coming off a homestand where they captured series wins over the Washington Nationals and the Chicago Cubs, taking the road to Milwaukee seemed to present an opportunity for the Rockies. However, Milwaukee (53-70 coming into the matchup) took control of the game early and never let the Rockies back into the game.

Colorado (60-65) took a quick 1-0 lead thanks to the hustle of David Dahl but Chad Bettis simply couldn’t keep the Brewers off the bases or the scoreboard.

Milwaukee took advantage of Bettis early, scoring three first-inning runs. Jonathan Villar led off the frame with a single and it was a sign of things to come. The Brewers turned two singles and two walks into a first-inning advantage that the Rockies simply didn’t have the offense to overcome.

Bettis walked seven batters in five innings and gave up a homer to Chris Carter that capped Milwaukee’s scoring. It continued a disturbing trend of inconsistency for Bettis who continued to see his season ERA climb.

Three positives

1. Dahl finished 2-for-4 and scored both of Colorado’s runs. Nolan Arenado continued the hot streak he ignited on Sunday with a 2-for-3 performance.

2. Jordan Lyles came in in relief of Bettis and pitched three scoreless, hitless innings.

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3. It happened off the field but it was still a positive. Scott Oberg had a scary condition discovered early, and it could be a very good thing for the Rockies reliever.

Diagnosed with blood clots in his right arm, Oberg was placed on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to August 20). Officially, he has axillary artery thrombosis in his right arm.

With Oberg going on the disabled list, Carlos Estevez was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque. It’s his second stint on the active roster in his first season with the Rockies. He was first recalled from Triple-A on April 22, then made his MLB debut the following day against Los Angeles.

Estevez went 2-7 with 11 saves (ranking second among MLB rookies). He also had a 5.28 ERA with 38 hits, 21 walks and 50 strikeouts in his 49 appearances with the Rockies prior to being optioned to Triple-A on Aug. 19.

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This is the first stint on the disabled list in Oberg’s MLB career. He is 1-1 with one save over his 24 appearances with the Rockies this season. Oberg has a 5.19 ERA, giving up 26 hits and 11 walks while striking out 20.