Everything you need to know as the Rockies return home to host the Phillies

The Colorado Rockies are coming home for the first time since former Manager Bud Black was fired. Unfortunately, things aren’t going to be easy as the Rockies play seven games against two of the very best teams in all of Major League Baseball.

First up for Colorado’s return to Coors Field is the Philadelphia Phillies, who the Rockies play Monday-Thursday. At 28-18, the Phillies are one of the best teams in the National League, led of course by star Bryce Harper and one of the deepest lineups in all of baseball.

And that lineup is likely to wreak havoc on a Rockies’ pitching staff that isn’t just hampered by injuries, but struggling to get through the early innings.

First up will be Kyle Freeland (0-6, 6.15 ERA, 35 SO), who takes on Christopher Sanchez (4-1, 2.91 ERA, 52 SO) when the Rockies and Phillies meet tonight at 6:40 p.m. M.D.T. Freeland is still in search of his first win this season, and the Rockies really need a quality start of him to get the series with the Phillies off on the right foot.

Antonio Senzatela (1-7, 6.39 ERA, 22 SO) will get the call Tuesday night while the Phillies will send out Jesus Lozardo (4-0, 2.00 ERA, 57 SO). On Wednesday, rookie Carson Palmquict (0-1, 11.25 ERA, 0 SO) makes his second start for the Rockies when he takes on Taijuan Walker (1-3, 2.62 ERA, 31 SO) at 6:40 p.m. In the series finale Thursday at 1:10 p.m. German Marquez (1-6, 8.78 ERA, 21 SO) gets the nod for the Rockies, who look to build some momentum before the vaunted New York Yankees come to Denver for Memorial Day weekend.