Rockies spring training, 2018. Nolan Arenado got an up-close look at Brendan Rodgers’ swing.
Arenado described it as one of the most natural, compact and powerful swings he’d seen.
That sweet swing is finally paying off for Rodgers. The infielder entered Saturday night’s game at San Francisco riding a career-high 15-game hitting streak, during which he hit .365 (23-for-63) with four home runs, four doubles and a triple.
“The thing that has stood out to us, and it was reflected (Friday) night with that base hit in the ninth inning down the right-field line, is that his approach is really solid,” manager Bud Black said. “He’s using the whole field. He’s doing with certain pitches what he should be doing.
“Fastballs away — driving ’em to right. Shortening his swing with two strikes and producing base hits. Like all players, he’s trying to get away from (chasing) the breaking ball down and away from him.”
Black also likes Rodgers’ ability to hit with power to all fields.
“When you see a swing like Brendan’s, it’s built for success,” Black said. “Nolan was right on.”
Chi Chi’s role. Right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez has rejoined the Rockies and will throw a side session before Sunday’s game at San Francisco. He threw 2 2/3 innings in an Arizona Complex League game on Friday, allowing three hits and striking out four.
Gonzalez, who’s made 15 starts this season with a 6.06 ERA, will likely rejoin the team soon. Black said Gonzalez will likely be used in long relief.
Estevez rolling. Hard-throwing right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez had three strikeouts Friday night and had posted five consecutive scoreless outings entering Saturday.
The secret? Versatility.
“You’ve got to mix pitches,” Black said. “Carlos has been around the league, he’s been up since 2016. The opponents know him, so he has to constantly stay away from his trends and his norms.”
That means utilizing his slider and changeup, in addition to his 98 mph fastball.
“I think we are seeing that show up in his game and that’s a big part of his success,” Black said.
On Deck
Rockies RHP Jon Gray (7-8, 3.85 ERA) at Giants LHP Alex Wood (9-3, 4.03)
2:05 p.m. Sunday, Oracle Park
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM
Gray was not sharp in his last outing at Houston. Although he struck out nine in 4 2/3 innings, he allowed four runs on six hits and walked two. Overall, he’s pitched well since coming back from the injured list, posting a 3.31 ERA with 60 strikeouts vs. 19 walks over his last nine outings. Gray beat the Giants on May 5 at Coors Field, allowing two runs on four hits with eight strikeouts in six innings. He’s 2-6 with a 5.86 ERA in 13 career starts vs. the Giants, including 1-3 with a 3.79 ERA in seven career starts at Oracle Park. Wood has been wobbling a bit. In his last start, he allowed five runs on six hits and struck out five over six innings vs. the Diamondbacks. Wood has given up at least four runs in each of his last three starts. The lefty is 5-3 with a 6.01 ERA in 17 games (14 starts) vs. the Rockies. Charlie Blackmon has hit Wood well, batting .458 (11-for-24) with one double and five RBIs.
Trending: Ryan McMahon leads the majors with 20 defensive runs saved and 2.3 defensive WAR (according to Baseball Reference). Entering Saturday night’s game, he had a major league-best 12 defensive runs saved at third base and eight runs saved at second (fourth).
At issue: The Rockies have struggled against their National League West rivals, going 21-32 entering Saturday’s play. The Rockies were 3-8 vs. the Giants, 3-8 vs. the Dodgers, 8-8 vs. the Padres and 7-6 vs. the Diamondbacks.
Pitching probables
Monday: Padres LHP Ryan Weathers (4-5, 4.72) at Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (2-9, 4.71), 6:40 p.m., ATTRM
Tuesday: Padres TBD at Rockies RHP German Marquez (10-9, 3.77), 6:40 p.m., ATTRM
Wednesday: Padres LHP Blake Snell (6-4, 4.80) at Rockies LHP Austin Gomber (9-7, 4.09), 1:10 p.m., ATTRM
Thursday: Off
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