Rockies vs Reds Preview: Survive Coors, Spark Offense

The Cincinnati Reds are ready to bounce back after their rough loss to Colorado. With a strong 19-11 record, Cincinnati sits in a great position early in the season. However, the Reds' pitching staff faces real challenges because several key starters are injured. Andrew Abbott will take the mound Thursday, hoping to deliver solid innings for his team. The Reds' young, exciting offense needs their pitcher to hold things together so they can keep winning games. Cincinnati's defense and hitting combinations have kept them competitive despite pitching questions early on.

Elly De La Cruz is one of baseball's most electrifying players, and he plays shortstop for the Reds. This dynamic athlete combines incredible speed, raw power, and athleticism that makes him dangerous every time he steps to the plate. De La Cruz led all of baseball with 67 stolen bases during one season, showing his ability to impact games in multiple ways. He's been working hard to improve his plate discipline and balance his aggressive style with better contact. When you watch De La Cruz play, you see a player constantly threatening to change the game.

The Colorado Rockies are traveling to face Cincinnati after exploding for 13 runs in their previous game at home. Although Colorado sits at 14-17, they've won six of their last ten games, showing resilience and improvement. Young catcher Hunter Goodman emerged as an exciting player last season, earning an All-Star selection with 31 home runs and strong defense. Meanwhile, outfielder Brenton Doyle won two Gold Glove awards for his elite defensive skills, though he continues working to improve his hitting consistency. Michael Lorenzen starts for Colorado, tasked with keeping the Reds' powerful offense in check.