The Colorado Rockies (32-58) managed to string together three consecutive wins, including a series victory against the Kansas City Royals, before losing the finale on Sunday. However, the Rockies are still tied for the worst record in the National League because of a lackluster offseason and inability to score runs, as evidenced by the 10-1 loss at home before they kick off the road trip. They will head to Great American Ballpark to face off against the Cincinnati Reds (42-48) for four games to close out the season series. The Reds have definitely been uneven as their offense has struggled a bit and their home field has not been kind to them. After getting swept by the Detroit Tigers the Reds have now lost five straight at home and nine of their past 12 as the hosts.

Pitching Probables

7/8: Ryan Feltner (1-5, 5.60 ERA) vs. Andrew Abbott (8-6, 3.28 ERA)

Originally scheduled to pitch the series finale against the Royals on Sunday, the Rockies chose to push Ryan Feltner’s start back a day to kick off the road trip. The decision was made to give Feltner a chance to start on the road where he boasts a 4.65 ERA in nine starts. It was also an opportunity to give the Ohio native a chance to pitch in front of family and friends and hopefully boost his confidence moving forward. Feltner has struggled with consistency and the Rockies hope he can enjoy some success. The right-hander shouldered the loss in his lone career start against the Reds on June 3, however, after allowing eight runs on 10 hits over 4 1/3 innings.

Andrew Abbott has enjoyed a solid season and went on a roll in June and kicked off July with 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball against the New York Yankees. The left-hander has faced the Rockies twice in his career, going 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA across 12 innings. In his previous outing against the Rockies, he allowed three runs over six innings with six strikeouts.

7/9: Cal Quantrill (6-6, 3.77 ERA) vs. Frankie Montas (4-6, 4.19 ERA)

June wasn’t as crisp Cal Quantrill and he battled through five innings on 102 pitches, giving up just two runs in his last outing to kick off July. While he hasn’t been the most dominant, Quantrill has proven a solid competitor each time he’s stepped on the mound for the Rockies. He’ll look to get his feel for the splitter back on the road.

The last time Frankie Montas faced the Rockies, he tossed seven innings at Coors Field, giving up just one hit with nine strikeouts and two walks. That start kicked off a strong month of June and in his last outing against the Yankees, Montas limited his former team to just two runs over five innings as he issued three walks with four strikeouts.

7/10: Kyle Freeland (0-3, 6.62 ERA) vs. Carson Spiers (2-2, 3.64 ERA)

Kyle Freeland has been excellent since his return from injury. In three starts he has allowed just four runs in 19 2/3 innings while giving up four walks. His ability to throw strikes and get ground balls has proven effective and he’ll look to make it four-straight quality starts.

Since joining the Reds rotation, Spiers has proven to be quite capable in four starts. He has worked six innings in three of his starts but lasted just 4 2/3 innings having surrendered four runs on eight hits, including three home runs, against the Tigers. To his credit, he doesn’t walk many batters and has an ability to get strikeouts.

7/11: Austin Gomber (2-5, 4.47 ERA) vs. TBD

Facing the Royals Gomber delivered a masterpiece on the mound for the Rockies in his last start. He allowed one run over seven innings having thrown 99 pitches. It was a gem at Coors Field and helped build up some trade stock for the left-hander who has shown how good he can be on the mound. The Rockies have indicated they are willing to listen to offers for his services, but with one year of control still, it may have to be a compelling offer.

Players to watch

Brenton Doyle is hitting .272 with 15 doubles, two triples, 11 home runs and 29 walks, while getting on base at a rate of .336 for the Rockies.

Spencer Steer carries a four-game streak with at least one hit into this matchup. In his last five games he is batting .263 with a double, three home runs, two walks and six RBI. All-Star selection Elly De La Cruz’s 15 homers in 2024 are the most on the Reds and has knocked in 39 runs while hitting .247.

Injuries

Rockies: Jake Bird: 15-Day IL (groin), Josh Rogers: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Kris Bryant: 10-Day IL (rib), Jordan Beck: 10-Day IL (wrist), Lucas Gilbreath: 60-Day IL (elbow), Daniel Bard: 60-Day IL (knee), German Marquez: 60-Day IL (elbow), Antonio Senzatela: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Reds: Luke Maile: 10-Day IL (back), Emilio Pagan: 60-Day IL (lat), Nick Lodolo: 15-Day IL (finger), TJ Friedl: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Christian Encarnacion-Strand: 60-Day IL (hand), Brandon Williamson: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Ian Gibaut: 60-Day IL (forearm), Tejay Antone: 60-Day IL (elbow), Matt McLain: 60-Day IL (shoulder)