The Braves are in Denver for a three-game set against the Rockies. Julio Teheran faced Kyle Freeland in the series opener Monday.
Here’s how the Rockies have began their 2019 season, coming off back-to-back postseason berths:
1. It’s been a slow start in Colorado. The Rockies entered Monday’s game at 3-7, just swept by the rival Dodgers in Denver. They’re 1-7 since winning their first two games against the Marlins.
2. In more positive events, Atlanta native Charlie Blackmon is off to a strong start. The outfielder went 2-for-2 Sunday night, his fourth consecutive multi-hit game. Blackmon is hitting .300 (12-for-40). Nolan Arenado, fresh off signing a long-term commitment to the franchise, went 3-for-4 with a triple on Sunday.
3. Teheran, who’s been haunted by the long ball in his career, has done surprisingly well at Coors Field. The righty is 1-1 with a 2.96 ERA in four starts at Colorado, and 5-1 with a 2.25 ERA against the Rockies overall (10 starts).
4. Colorado’s calling card is its stacked lineup, but the offense has struggled out of the gate. The Rockies were hitting .216, 13th in the National League, entering Monday. They’re hitting .239 with runners in scoring position (10th in NL), which has resulted in the third fewest runs in the league (31).
5. The Braves are 121-85 all-time against the Rockies. They’re 56-50 in Denver. But Colorado has taken 23 of the last 30 games against the Braves since 2014. This is a homecoming for Braves bench coach Walt Weiss, who managed the Rockies from 2013-16 and played for the team in 1994-97.
