Rockies vs A's Preview: Coors Field Challenge for Freeland

Kyle Freeland takes the mound for Colorado with a tough job ahead. The Rockies' staff always struggles at home because of thin mountain air at Coors Field. Freeland is 0-1 this season with a 4.95 ERA. He's a steady veteran arm, not a dominant ace. The Rockies are 26-43 overall and really need wins. Colorado's injured outfield hurts too—Brenton Doyle, Jordan Beck, and Mickey Moniak are all out. Jake McCarthy sat out Friday with illness. That leaves limited firepower in the lineup. Freeland must pitch smart and keep the Athletics' hitters off balance.

The Athletics beat Colorado 6-4 on Saturday with some monster home runs. Shea Langeliers blasted one 450 feet to center field. Sonny Gray's pitching kept Oakland in it. Now Oakland's 33-35 overall and riding a two-game winning streak. Joey Estes takes the mound for the home team today. The Athletics' roster is young but improving. They're missing Brent Rooker (knee injury) and several starting pitchers. Luis Severino's out with a shoulder strain. Aaron Civale had a rehab start Thursday. Despite the injury troubles, Oakland found a way to win yesterday.

Colorado and Oakland both need wins badly right now. The Rockies are 26-43 and losing. Oakland's 33-35 but just won yesterday. Both teams have injury problems slowing them down. Colorado's outfield is decimated with four players out. Oakland's missing star pitchers Severino and Civale. These injuries matter in close games. Today's matchup comes down to pitching and who stays healthy enough to score runs. Freeland versus Estes will set the tone early. Expect a tight contest between two hungry teams chasing momentum in the middle of June.