Colorado Rockies vs. Chicago Cubs: Weather updates from Coors Field

Weather is threatening to put a damper on the series opener between the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Friday night. And it’s making for sloppy conditions for Saturday.

Editor’s Note: We have included what we know about Saturday at the bottom…

As @RockiesWX discussed in this article, plenty of moisture has been expected to hit the Denver area and surrounding region just in time for the hours before Friday’s opener at 20th and Blake. Unfortunately for fans wanting to attend one of the most highly anticipated series of the season, that forecast is coming true.

Jon Gray (1-3, 6.23 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound in Friday’s matchup for the Rockies while Chicago will send Kyle Hendricks (0-1, 3.71). Gray ran into more frustration in his last outing in Washington when, once again, a burst of offense from the other team undid an otherwise solid pitching performance.

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Weather has plagued the Cubs throughout the 2018 season. The Cubs have had five games postponed by weather, including three that are still to be made up later in the season. Even the games where Chicago has been able to play at home, some have been played in less-than-ideal conditions, some of which has caused Cubs manager Joe Maddon to voice his concern.

Colorado enters the weekend series with an 11-9 mark after winning five of seven games in a road trip to Washington and Pittsburgh. Chicago is 8-8, including an 8-5 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday at Wrigley Field.

From Colorado’s perspective, one of the more interesting facets of Friday night’s game will be the return of All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado from his five-game suspension following the Rockies brawl with the San Diego Padres. While the Rockies will have Arenado returning to the lineup, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez (hamstring) was not in the starting lineup. However, he told reporters in the clubhouse he believed he could pinch hit if needed.

We will be providing live updates from the Coors Field press box leading up to the game and/or during any weather delays. You can hit refresh and see the latest updates below.

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Note: All times below are listed in Mountain time

2:10 p.m. — Workers are preparing the field for play and the sun is shining right now at Coors Field. At this point, everything is slated to start on time but there is plenty of moisture moving into the Denver metro area.

3:48 p.m. — Very light rain is starting to fall at Coors Field and the grounds crew is putting the tarp on the field.

Here is the latest we know from @RockiesWX on the impending storm…

4:08 p.m. — Lights are not on at Coors Field … yet. Very dark here and getting colder.

4:23 p.m. — The Rockies new scoreboard seems even bigger when it’s shining down on the wet tarp. Yes, there is moisture on it. Lights are just now coming on in Coors Field.

4:38 p.m. — Some Cubs players are warming up on the field as fans start to come in and stand in the outfield. Some fans have umbrellas.

4:41 p.m. — Cubs warmup is over and they’ve retreated into the dugout. No players on the field as rain gets a little harder.

4:47 p.m. — As a reminder, there has still been no official word on any kind of delay. At this moment, first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m.

5:21 p.m. — Actually can see a patch of blue sky suddenly. Clouds are still around but getting lighter.

5:58 p.m. — Rockies starter Jon Gray is heading to the bullpen to start warming up so that’s a good sign the game is on and on time.

6:21 p.m. — Nolan Arenado has emerged and is warming up for the game. Read what he said about his time away from the Rockies here.

12:00 p.m. (Saturday) — The snow has stopped in Denver and melting is occurring. Will likely be another cold and damp game on Saturday night by no delays are expected at this time.