Colorado Rockies: Jon Gray on starting the Wild Card Game

Colorado Rockies starting pitching Jon Gray talked to the media during a team workout at Chase Field today.

Jon Gray, among others, talked to the media about the upcoming Wild Card Game that is tomorrow night against the D’Backs in Phoenix. He, like many others, had some interesting thoughts about the game.

Gray on the Rockies facing the D’Backs 19 times this season

A question was asked of Gray wondering whether or not it would be more challenging to face a team that the Rockies have seen plenty of this season in the D’Backs.

"It can be. They know what you have. I know what they have, but there is always changing going on in the game. There are always adjustments being made. So I know we don’t use the same game plan every time, but it can be a challenge when guys get your timing down and the small things you change here and there. Then again, it’s just executing pitches and doing what you know works."

Gray on the opportunity to start in the Wild Card Game

Jon Gray has been striving to become the Rockies ace for a long time now and he finally feels like he has achieved it.

"Yeah, since I’ve had my sights set on it, and I’m just grateful to be in this position. It’s great that [manager] Buddy Black trusts me enough to give me the ball in this game. That gives me all the excitement I need."

As a result, he spoke later about trying not to put pressure on himself to achieve results.

"Yeah, I think a lot of pressure is self created. You can only control what you can. You know, some things that happen behind you, you can’t control. But as long as you focus on what you’re doing in there and forgetting about the negative and looking forward to the positive, that’s the best chance you can put yourself in to win."

He also gives a lot of credit to Bud Black on growing as a pitcher this season.

"Well, I give a lot of credit to him, especially early in the year when things would get tough out there. He would leave us in and give us the chance to get ourselves out of that situation, and I think that’s just helped our pitchers grow throughout the year. So I think he’s done a great job. A lot of our young guys have been stepping up, and I think it’s a lot of credit to him."

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?

Gray discusses the differences between Coors Field and Chase Field

Both Coors and Chase Fields are known as hitter’s parks so Jon Gray does not see much of a difference in them.

"I pitch at Coors and it’s pretty similar. I don’t try to do anything at all. I know how everything works and it does work similar to Coors, So I think that gives me a little comformability while I’m up there. But I think visually everything looks good. The mound feels very tall, and they say it doesn’t make any difference, but it could be in a live game. But I’ve always enjoyed pitching here."

Next: Bud Black's thoughts on Gray and the game

At Chase Field, he actually has a better ERA as it is 2.77 in two starts there this year. At Coors, he has a 3.13 ERA in eight starts so it will be something to keep an eye on in tomorrow’s game.