There are many who are predicting that the Rockies could break the record for the most losses in an MLB season (121) set by the White Sox last season. That would put Colorado on pace for at most 40 wins, meaning the Yankees just gifted their opponents 2.5-percent of their overall win total last night. The team-wide approach at the plate needs to improve if they want to win what should be the easiest series of the season

Fortunately, Max Fried has been brilliant as the ace of the staff this season and particularly in a role as stopper following a loss. He leads all qualified starters with an ERA of 1.29 and has held opponents to two or fewer runs in each of his ten starts. He leaned heavily on the fastball last time out against the Mets and I expect a similar approach today with the elevation of Coors lessening the movement of breaking pitches. In ten starts, Fried is 6-0 with a 1.29 ERA (306 ERA+), 2.69 FIP, and 60 strikeouts in 62.2 innings.

Don’t be deceived by Kyle Freeland’s 5.68 ERA, he has pitched much better than that number suggests and therefore could pose a sneaky challenge for the Yankees. He owns by far the largest gap between FIP and ERA (2.55 run difference) among qualified starters, suggesting that he has been the victim of porous defense and rotten BABIP luck. In fact, his 3.13 FIP places him among the top-20 starters, so he’s certainly no pushover. In ten starts, Freeland is 0-6 with a 5.68 ERA (81 ERA+), 3.13 FIP, and 41 strikeouts in 50.2 innings.

The Yankees make two changes to the lineup that managed just five hits, stranded five runners, and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position last night. The resurgent Cody Bellinger returns to play left field, moving Jasson Domínguez to DH and Ben Rice to the bench. In the infield, Oswald Peraza subs in for Jorbit Vivas at third base.

The Rockies use a heavier hand, making four changes to last night’s lineup. Ryan McMahon slugged the go-ahead two-run double yesterday, but he sits for Aaron Schunk at third with the lefty Fried on the mound. Michael Toglia subs in for Kyle Farmer at first and Tyler Freeman spells Mickey Moniak in right. Jacob Stallings draws the assignment behind the plate, shifting Hunter Goodman to DH and Nick Martini to the bench.

How to watch

Location: Coors Field — Denver, CO

First pitch: 4:10 pm ET

TV broadcast: YES Network, Rockies.TV

Radio broadcast: WFAN (NYY); KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM , KNRV 1150 (COL)

Online stream: MLB.tv, Gotham Sports App

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