Baseball fans watching the upcoming series between the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks should brace for a lineup shuffled by injuries. With the Rockies sitting at 19-31 and the Diamondbacks at 25-23, both clubs are fielding patched-together rosters as they head to Chase Field for a four-game set from May 21 to May 24.
The stakes are high enough, but the health of key players is the real story here. It's not just about who wins; it's about who shows up. The injury reports paint a picture of two teams managing significant absences while trying to keep pace in the National League West.
Pitching Matchups: Who Takes the Mound?
The starting rotation sets will be crucial given the defensive uncertainties. On Friday night, May 22, at 9:40 p.m. ET, Mike Soroka will take the mound for Colorado against Tomoyuki Sugano for Arizona. If you're looking for a reason to tune in early, that's your opener.
Saturday, May 23, brings a heavyweight clash at 10:10 p.m. ET, featuring Zac Gallen for the D-backs versus Michael Lorenzen for the Rockies. The series wraps up on Sunday, May 24, at 4:10 p.m. ET, with Ryne Nelson facing off against José Quintana. Catch these games on Dbacks.TV or Rockies.TV if local broadcasts aren't available.
Key Injuries Derailing Both Rosters
Here’s the thing: neither team has its full arsenal. For the Rockies, outfielder Jordan Beck is out on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain. Pitching depth is also thinning out, with Chase Dollander (elbow) and Ryan Feltner (unspecified, 15-day IL) sidelined. Recent moves include placing Brenton Doyle on the 10-day IL for a left oblique contusion and designating Carson Palmquist for assignment.
Arizona isn't exactly healthy either. Catcher James McCann is dealing with a quadriceps injury. Manager Torey Lovullo recently told reporters that McCann could be out for 4 to 6 weeks—a significant blow to their defense behind the plate. Meanwhile, veteran catcher Carlos Santana is on the 10-day IL with a groin issue, having posted a dismal .083 batting average before going down.
Long-Term Absences and Roster Shuffles
The injury list goes deeper than just this weekend. Arizona’s pitching staff has been hit hard by elbow issues. Corbin Burnes is expected to miss time until at least July 17 due to an elbow problem. Relief pitcher Justin Martinez underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2025, and A.J. Puk had similar surgery with an internal brace around the same time. Additionally, Cristian Mena and Blake Walston remain on the 60-day IL with shoulder and elbow injuries, respectively.
For Colorado, the front office has been active in call-ups. Alongside Doyle’s placement on the IL, infielder Chad Stevens was selected from Triple-A Albuquerque, and right-hander Blas Castano was recalled. These moves highlight the constant churn required to keep a roster functional mid-season.
Recent Performance Context
Despite the injuries, the Diamondbacks have shown flashes of dominance. In a recent Thursday win at Coors Field, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. led the charge with three RBIs, helping Arizona score seven runs in the first four innings. Eduardo Rodriguez pitched effectively, giving the D-backs a lead before he even threw his first pitch. This victory helped them gain valuable ground in the Wild Card race, proving that even with holes in the roster, their core talent can still overpower opponents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the starting pitchers for the Rockies vs. Diamondbacks series?
The matchups are Mike Soroka (COL) vs. Tomoyuki Sugano (ARI) on Friday; Zac Gallen (ARI) vs. Michael Lorenzen (COL) on Saturday; and Ryne Nelson (COL) vs. José Quintana (ARI) on Sunday.
How long will James McCann be out with his quad injury?
Manager Torey Lovullo indicated that McCann is likely sidelined for 4 to 6 weeks due to his quadriceps injury, which is a significant absence for the Diamondbacks' catching corps.
Which Rockies players were recently placed on the injured list?
Brenton Doyle was placed on the 10-day IL for a left oblique contusion, Jordan Beck is out with a hamstring strain, and Victor Vodnik is on the 15-day IL for right ulnar nerve inflammation.
Where can I watch the games?
The games will be broadcast on Dbacks.TV and Rockies.TV. Local over-the-air broadcasts may vary depending on your region.
Are there any long-term injuries affecting the Diamondbacks' pitching?
Yes, Corbin Burnes is expected to miss time until at least July 17. Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk are recovering from Tommy John surgeries, and Cristian Mena and Blake Walston are on the 60-day IL.
