Colorado Rockies: Predicting the 2019 Opening Day 25-man roster

Colorado’s starting pitching will once again be one of its strengths. Look for Kyle Freeland to earn the nod as the Opening Day pitcher, followed by German Marquez, Tyler Anderson, Jon Gray and Chad Bettis. Yes, as we discussed in this article, we believe the veteran Bettis will beat out Antonio Senzatela for the fifth starter spot.

Senzatela, however, will be key as Colorado’s long relief man to start the season.

Starting pitchers (5): Anderson, Bettis, Freeland, Gray, Marquez

In the bullpen, the departure of Adam Ottavino gives Colorado’s relievers some new roles in 2019. Who will fill Ottavino’s shoes? As we have said, we believe it will be a combination of Scott Oberg, Seunghwan Oh and Chris Rusin. We’re also betting on a rebound season for Bryan Shaw, who had a dismal debut last season.

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Mike Dunn returns from injury this season and should be given every opportunity to perform. He has shown in past seasons that he can be solid as a left-handed option in the bullpen. The Rockies need him to be just that in 2019.

The exact same holds true with Jake McGee. The Rockies need 2017 McGee to come back and 2018 McGee to go far, far away.

Wade Davis will once again be the closer.

Relief pitchers (8): Davis, Dunn, McGee, Oberg, Oh, Rusin, Senzatela, Shaw

So that’s our view of the Opening Day roster. What are your predictions? Let us know in the comments box below!