One year ago, the Colorado Rockies and the Kansas City Royals both lost 100-plus games and were two of the worst teams in baseball. Since the end of the 2023 season, each has descended a different path. The Royals chose to add to their roster to boost a strong youth core with a veteran talent base and take advantage of a weaker division. The Rockies on the other hand stood pat, changed very little, and chose to stay the course. The result has been a winning record for the Royals (48-41) and a chance at a Wild Card spot while the Rockies (30-57) are firmly at the bottom of the National League pile. The two teams will clash at Coors Field as they begin a weekend series. The Rockies split a four-game set with the Milwaukee Brewers while the Royals are coming off a series loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Pitching Probables

7/5: Kyle Freeland (0-3, 7.94 ERA) vs. Cole Ragans (5-6, 3.33 ERA)

Since returning from an elbow injury, Kyle Freeland has shown glimpses of his former self allowing just two runs and eight hits over 12 2⁄3 innings in his last two starts.

Cole Ragans turned into a surprise piece for the Royals when they acquired him from Texas for Aroldis Chapman. He struggled in his last start, giving up five runs in 4 1/3 innings, but he still ranks fifth among starters in strikeouts.

7/6: Austin Gomber (1-5, 4.72 ERA) vs. Seth Lugo (11-2, 2.17 ERA)

June turned into a difficult month for Austin Gomber as he has an 8.69 ERA in his last six starts after a spectacular month of May. In his last start he battled through six innings, giving up four runs on nine hits. He has given up the ninth-most home runs this season, something to keep an eye on with a quality team.

Seth Lugo has been an incredible starter for the Royals this year. In his last outing, he tossed six shutout innings against the Cleveland Guardians where he struck out 10 batters and issued just one walk. He’s been a valuable piece for the Royals at 34 years old and has failed to pitch six full innings in a start only twice.

7/7: Ryan Feltner (1-7, 5.60 ERA) vs. Brady Singer (4-5, 3.05 ERA)

There is no question that Ryan Feltner has plenty of talent and could be one of the league’s best starters, but he has struggled to find consistency to put it all together. He has a 6.75 ERA in eight starts at home this year but did give up just one run in five innings against the Brewers in his last start at home

Aside from two less-than-ideal outings this season, Brady Singer has been quite effective this season. The former first-round pick has averaged four or five strikeouts a game while generally keeping walks to a minimum. He allowed one run on three hits over five innings in his last start but did issue three walks with four strikeouts on 88 pitches. He has worked more than six innings just twice this season.

Players to watch

Brenton Doyle is 11-for-40 with three doubles and four home runs over the past 10 games for the Rockies.

Vinnie Pasquantino is 14-for-40 with a double and three home runs over the last 10 games.

Injuries

Rockies: Brenton Doyle: day-to-day (calf), Jake Bird: 15-Day IL (groin), Adael Amador: 10-Day IL (oblique), 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)

Royals: Adam Frazier: 10-Day IL (thumb), Dan Altavilla: 10-Day IL (oblique), Josh Taylor: 60-Day IL (biceps), Kris Bubic: 60-Day IL (elbow), Kyle Wright: 60-Day IL (shoulder)