2025-06-21 Diamondbacks at Rockies Matchup Preview

Starting Pitching Matchup

The Arizona Diamondbacks will send Merrill Kelly to the mound, while the Colorado Rockies will counter with Carson Palmquist in this divisional contest. Kelly's experience and repertoire will be tested against a Rockies lineup eager to perform at home. Palmquist, on the other hand, will look to establish himself against a Diamondbacks team with postseason aspirations.

Diamondbacks' Offensive Outlook

The Diamondbacks' offense is led by a group of hitters that collectively have a team weighted runs created plus near the league average, which is a key factor to their success. Their ability to generate runs consistently throughout the lineup allows them to be competitive in most games. One area of concern for the Diamondbacks could be facing left-handed pitching. If Palmquist can effectively utilize his breaking pitches and control the inner half of the plate, he could limit the Diamondbacks' offensive production.

Another area of the Diamondbacks' offense that could be of concern is their launch angle. The Diamondbacks will need to get the ball in the air to be successful in Coors Field. If they are hitting the ball on the ground at a high percentage, they could have trouble scoring runs.

Rockies' Offensive Outlook

The Colorado Rockies' offense has struggled this season, with a team weighted on-base average that ranks near the bottom of the league. Facing Merrill Kelly, who features a diverse pitch mix and pinpoint control, will be a significant challenge. To find success, the Rockies' hitters will need to be patient and selective, focusing on driving pitches in the heart of the plate. Their ability to capitalize on mistakes and generate extra-base hits will be vital to their chances of scoring runs.

The Rockies need to use their home-field advantage. The thin air of Coors Field can help the ball travel. If the Rockies can get the ball in the air, they could have some success.

Pitching Analysis: Merrill Kelly

Merrill Kelly brings a wealth of experience and a diverse arsenal to the mound for the Diamondbacks. He commands a fastball that averages around 92 miles per hour, complemented by a sharp curveball and a deceptive changeup. His ability to mix speeds and locate his pitches effectively allows him to keep hitters off balance. To succeed against the Rockies, Kelly must maintain command of his secondary pitches and avoid leaving pitches over the middle of the plate. The Rockies' hitters are known for their ability to capitalize on mistakes, particularly in their home ballpark.

Pitching Analysis: Carson Palmquist

Carson Palmquist is an exciting young pitcher for the Colorado Rockies with potential. He features a fastball in the low 90s, along with a developing slider and changeup. Palmquist's success will depend on his ability to command his fastball and effectively mix his secondary pitches. The Diamondbacks' hitters have a team isolated power that is near the league average. Palmquist will need to be able to locate his pitches effectively to keep the Diamondbacks' hitters off balance.

Bullpen Considerations

Both the Diamondbacks and Rockies will likely lean on their bullpens to navigate the later innings. The Diamondbacks' bullpen has been relatively solid this season, featuring a mix of experienced veterans and promising young arms. Their ability to shut down opposing offenses in high-leverage situations will be critical to preserving leads or keeping the game within reach. The Rockies' bullpen has been more inconsistent, struggling at times to hold leads and prevent runs. They will need to find a way to improve their performance if they hope to compete with the Diamondbacks.

Defensive Matchup

The defensive play will play a key role in this game. Both teams are around average in fielding percentage but errors can extend innings and lead to unearned runs which can be crucial in a close game.

Overall Prediction

This matchup features two teams with contrasting strengths and weaknesses. The Diamondbacks have a more balanced team and I expect them to get the edge here.