It's shaping up to be a messy series at Chase Field. When the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Colorado Rockies from May 21 to May 24, both clubs are bringing deep talent—but also significant holes in their rosters. The D-backs enter with a 25-23 record, while the Rockies sit at 19-31, but the real story isn't just the standings; it's who's missing and who's stepping up.
Here’s the thing about mid-May baseball: injuries start stacking up, and managers have to make tough calls. For Arizona, that means navigating around a depleted bullpen and key offensive contributors. For Colorado, it’s about finding stability in a rotation that’s seen its share of arm troubles. If you’re planning to watch or bet on this series, you need to know exactly who’s pitching and who’s sidelined.
The Pitching Matchups
The schedule is packed, starting Friday night. Here’s how the mound battles break down:
- Friday, May 21 (9:40 p.m. ET): Mike Soroka (ARI) takes the ball against Tomoyuki Sugano (COL). It’s a clash of experience, with both pitchers looking to establish rhythm early.
- Saturday, May 22 (10:10 p.m. ET): Zac Gallen (ARI) faces Michael Lorenzen (COL). Gallen has been a cornerstone for Arizona, and his performance here could define the series momentum.
- Sunday, May 23 (4:10 p.m. ET): Ryne Nelson (ARI) starts against José Quintana (COL). A day game under the Phoenix sun offers different challenges for both arms.
You can catch all three games on Dbacks.TV and Rockies.TV, so streaming options are covered if you don’t want to head to the ballpark.
Key Injuries Siding Both Clubs
Turns out, neither team is fielding its strongest lineup. On the Arizona side, catcher James McCann is on the 10-day injured list with a strained right quadriceps. Manager Torey Lovullo indicated Tuesday that McCann will likely miss 4 to 6 weeks after injuring the muscle while beating out an infield hit in the eighth inning. His 2026 stats before the injury were modest—a .203/.217/.254 slash line with zero home runs—but his defensive presence behind the plate is irreplaceable.
Also sidelined for Arizona is first baseman/outfielder Pavin Smith (60-day IL, elbow) and reliever A.J. Puk (60-day IL, elbow). Veteran Carlos Santana is out with a groin strain, having posted a rough .083 batting average through the first part of the season. Meanwhile, ace Corbin Burnes remains out until at least July 17 due to an elbow issue, though he expects to throw off a mound by the end of spring training—a timeline that suggests a slow, careful rehab process.
For the Rockies, the news isn’t much better. Outfielder Jordan Beck is on the 10-day IL with a hamstring injury. Pitcher Chase Dollander landed on the 15-day IL with a right elbow sprain after leaving a May 14 game against the Pittsburgh Pirates with arm tightness. Ryan Feltner is also on the 15-day IL, further thinning Colorado’s pitching depth. Center fielder Brenton Doyle was placed on the 10-day IL retroactive to May 20 with a left oblique contusion, forcing the club to call up infielder Chad Stevens from Triple-A Albuquerque.
Roster Shuffles and Recent Transactions
Both teams have been active recently to plug these gaps. Arizona acquired outfielder Jose Requena from the Dodgers in exchange for Alek Thomas on May 12. They’ve also recalled Brandyn Garcia and reinstated Gabriel Moreno from the IL, while optioning Philip Abner and designating Aramis Garcia for assignment.
Colorado has made several moves since May 19, including activating Tyler Freeman from the paternity list and calling up Keegan Thompson. However, they designated Blaine Crim for assignment and optioned Sammy Peralta to Triple-A. These shuffles highlight the constant juggling act managers face when injuries strike unexpectedly.
Recent Performance Context
Despite the injuries, the Diamondbacks showed offensive firepower in a recent win over the Rockies at Coors Field. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. led the charge with three RBI, while Eduardo Rodriguez dominated the Rockies’ lineup. The D-backs scored seven runs in the first four innings, including three in the first, proving that even without McCann and Santana, their bats can still light up the scoreboard.
Heraldo Purdomo went 2-for-4 with three runs scored, and Ketel Marte contributed with a double and two RBI. This offensive depth gives Arizona confidence heading into the Chase Field series, even as they navigate around their injured stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the probable pitchers for the Friday game?
Mike Soroka will start for the Arizona Diamondbacks, facing Tomoyuki Sugano for the Colorado Rockies. The game begins at 9:40 p.m. ET on May 21.
How long will James McCann be out?
Manager Torey Lovullo stated that McCann is expected to be sidelined for 4 to 6 weeks due to a strained right quadriceps. He is currently on the 10-day injured list.
Is Corbin Burnes expected to return soon?
No, Corbin Burnes is not expected to return until at least July 17. He suffered an elbow injury and aims to throw off a mound by the end of spring training as part of his rehab.
Where can I watch the series?
All games in the series will be available on Dbacks.TV and Rockies.TV, providing streaming options for fans unable to attend Chase Field in person.
What recent roster moves have the Rockies made?
The Rockies have called up infielder Chad Stevens and pitcher Blas Castano from Triple-A Albuquerque. They also designated Carson Palmquist for assignment and optioned Sammy Peralta to the minors.
