Colorado Rockies game no. 45 thread: Merrill Kelly vs. Kyle Freeland

TL;DR

The Colorado Rockies face the Arizona Diamondbacks with Kyle Freeland pitching against Merrill Kelly. The Rockies aim to end a rough May after a recent loss and roster changes due to injuries.

Key points

Colorado Rockies are 17-27 this season
Kyle Freeland has a 6.00 ERA and is 1-4
Chase Dollander is on the 15-day injured list
Merrill Kelly has a 7.62 ERA this season
Game starts at 6:40 PM MDT

Colorado RockiesArizona DiamondbacksKyle FreelandMerrill Kelly

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 09: Kyle Freeland #21 of the Colorado Rockies pitches in the first inning during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 09, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Colorado Rockies (17-27) are back at Coors Field after a difficult Pennsylvania swing, opening a six-game homestand with a weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks (20-22). Colorado went 2-4 through Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and yesterday’s 7-2 loss to the Pirates came with a larger concern than the score: Chase Dollander left in the second inning and has now been placed on the 15-day injured list with an elbow strain. The bad news resulted in a series of roster moves, and Sterlin Thompson () is reportedly headed to Denver. Colorado also enters this homestand trying to stop a May slide that has left them 3-9 on the month. The third-place Diamondbacks are coming off a painful walk-off loss to on Wednesday, and the overall offensive production has been underwhelming. Still, they still have , , and former Rockie — who has a 118 wRC+ with six home runs on the year. The Rockies are 8-11 with a .767 OPS at Coors Field and will turn to veteran lefty as they look to return to the win column. Freeland enters at 1-4 with a 6.00 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP, and his recent stretch since returning from the injured list has been uneven — 16 earned runs in 14 1/3 innings across three starts. Freeland is still getting hitters to chase, and he has done a good job limiting walks. The problem is that the contact has been too loud when opponents square him up, especially against the fastball. Marte has hit Freeland hard, going 17-for-48 with three home runs and a 1.124 OPS against him. takes the mound for Arizona, and his 2026 numbers have not been great. The veteran righty enters with a 7.62 ERA and a 1.92 WHIP through five starts, with hard contact and walks both showing up as problems. His four-seamer, changeup, and cutter have all been hit hard. But Kelly has been very good against Colorado over his career. In 17 starts against the Rockies, he is 9-3 with a 3.25 ERA, 102 strikeouts, and a 1.130 WHIP. has had a brutal start to the season, but he has handled Kelly: .438 with two home runs in 16 at-bats. A good night won’t fix all that. But a steady Freeland start, a few real swings against Kelly, and a win over a division opponent would be a great way to start the homestand. Now for the details… **First Pitch:** 6:40 PM MDT **TV:** Rockies.TV **Radio:** KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish) **Diamondbacks SB Nation site:** **Lineups:**

Q&A

What is Kyle Freeland's current pitching record and ERA?

Kyle Freeland has a record of 1-4 with a 6.00 ERA.

How has Merrill Kelly performed against the Colorado Rockies historically?

Merrill Kelly has a career record of 9-3 with a 3.25 ERA in 17 starts against the Rockies.

What injury has Chase Dollander sustained and how does it affect the Rockies?

Chase Dollander has an elbow strain and has been placed on the 15-day injured list, prompting roster changes for the Rockies.

What time does the Rockies vs. Diamondbacks game start?

The game starts at 6:40 PM MDT.