Key roster battles on display in Rockies' loss to the Rangers

Nights can be chilly in the Arizona desert. And the night air in Phoenix certainly cooled off the Colorado Rockies’ offense.

Playing under the lights Friday night against the Texas Rangers, the Rockies’ red-hot offense grinded to a halt in a 5-0 Cactus League loss.

The story of the night was Colorado’s inability to advance runners as they did tally nine hits, but couldn’t find the plate. Colorado came into Friday night’s game having won two straight and hitting at a high clip, but they were blanked by Texas pitching.

There was bright spots under the lights though. Sean Bouchard and Nick Martini continued to make their case for opening-day roster spots, combining for three hits on the night. Position battles are ongoing in Colorado camp, and Martini and Bouchard stood out in a game that also saw Zac Veen go 0-for-2 at the dish with a K. The trio are all pushing for outfield spots on the big-league club, and Friday night probably didn’t help Veen’s case as much.

Meanwhile, Ryan Feltner isn’t in a battle for a roster spot. Instead, he’s trying to get ready for the season ahead, but Friday night didn’t help, as he gave up all five runs in 1.2 innings of work. Colorado does have a bullpen battle ongoing though, and Angel Chivilli, Tyler Kinley, Victor Vodnik and Sam Weatherly were really sharp, not allowing another run, while nine Rangers. In other words, Rockies’ releivers needing to impress did just that.

And to be honest, that’s what the remainder of Cactus League is for. It’s about roster spots and preperation, and despite the loss to Texas, the Rockies found out plenty on Friday night. 

The Rockies are now 12-8 this spring and will take on the Chicago White Sox on Saturday at 2:05 M.D.T.

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