Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Rockies‘ offense was the main story of Monday, April 29′s easy win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The offense pounded out 19 hits and scored 12 runs in a rout of the Dodgers — a welcome surprise after the Rockies struggled to hit at Chase Field over the weekend. Hot-shot prospect Nolan Arenado had his first hit and home run of his career and Carlos Gonzalez broke out of his slump with three hits.
But besides the offense, there was another story developing: Tyler Chatwood needs to keep his turn in the starting rotation.
Chatwood, who has replaced the injured Jhoulys Chacin, has pitched well in both his starts. He got a no-decision in his first start and got the win in the blowout of the Dodgers. The righty has thrown six innings in both starts. He walked three in the first start but zero in the next.
Chatwood was been up and down since he was traded to the Rockies for Chris Iannetta. He has never had an extended stay in the majors, but one could be on the horizon. With a above-average fastball and good curve, Chatwood has proved he can get hitters out at the big leagues. He is also developing a slider as a third pitch.
Jeff Francis may end up being the odd man out in the rotation. The lefty has struggled as of late and is set to start against the Tampa Bay Rays this week. When Chacin is due to come off the disabled list, the Rockies will be facing a tough decision.
Francis has been one of the best pitchers in the history of the Rockies, but it looks like his time may be up. The right call would be giving Chatwood his chance to shine.
