After a starting roundtrip that saw the Rockies go 1-6, they looked to get back on track and turn around their fortunes at Coors Field during their first homestand. Facing off against the Tampa Bay Rays and Arizona Diamondbacks the Rockies looked better in certain aspects, including an incredible walk-off in their own home opener, while also seeing a turnaround in their starting pitching. Unfortunately, the team still managed just a 2-4 record as they now head north to take on the Toronto Blue Jays to kick off the second road trip of the season.

Here are some Rockies storylines to watch this weekend in Toronto.

Pitching Probables

4/12: Ryan Feltner (0-1, 3.27 ERA) vs. Kevin Gausman (0-1,9.53 ERA)

4/13: Dakota Hudson (0-2, 2.38 ERA) vs. Bowden Francis (0-2, 12.96 ERA)

4/14: Kyle Freeland (0-2, 16.03 ERA) vs. José Berríos (2-0, 1.45 ERA)

Rebounding Rotations

Contrary to normal expectations, the Rockies’ starting rotation was their greatest asset during their homestand. Kyle Freeland’s four runs over five innings were the most runs surrendered by a starter during the six-game stretch. Ryan Feltner, who will start Friday’s game, turned in the best outing of the bunch when he tossed six innings and became the first Rockies pitcher since 2021 to strike out at least nine batters in a game. The rotation posted a 3.55 ERA with four quality starts, a positive sign that they hope continues on the road.

The Blue Jays also seem to be in the same boat as their rotation, outside of José Berríos has not been pitching up the caliber they know they can. However, a solid outing from Yusei Kikuchi where he allowed one run over six innings during an eventual 6-1 loss in extra innings to the Seattle Mariners could signal a sign of good things to come for the Blue Jays rotation. A struggling Rockies offense susceptible to the strikeout could end up giving the Blue Jays rotation the boost of confidence it needs.

Scuffling bats 

After strong offensive performances during the series against the Rays, the Diamondbacks series was less so for the Rockies. Strikeouts have reigned supreme but there have been instances where they have managed to draw walks, but the big hit eluded them during the Diamondbacks series. The Rockies are in desperate need of the bats of Kris Bryant, Nolan Jones, and Brendan Rodgers who are all off to sluggish starts batting under .200 with Bryant floundering at the plate. If the Rockies were struggling at Coors Field, the overhanging threat of hitting on the road, something they have historically struggled with, doesn’t bode well for a turnaround.

The Blue Jays are also off to a slower start offensively as they have just a .212 AVG and .652 OPS. However, they have drawn a fair share of walks and are around the middle of the pack in the league in strikeouts and also have just 11 home runs. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has provided power but his other counting stats aren’t so hot along with Alejandro Kirk, Bo Bichette, and George Springer. Familiar Rockies’ foe Justin Turner is enjoying a strong start to the season and could look to take advantage of a career OPS north of .900 against the Rockies.

Bullpen blues

During the homestand, the Rockies saw all six games decided by three it fewer runs, but part of that could be attributed to bullpen struggles. Walks have been an issue and have played a factor in the 16 runs surrendered in the seventh inning or later during the homestand. With a rotation that may be turning things around and going at least six innings, the bullpen will have to find consistency and a collective ability to get outs and secure late leads. Rockies closer Justin Lawrence struggled in three of his four outings with walks a prevalent issue.

Tovar Time

Shortstop Ezequiel Tovar had himself one of the better homestands for the Rockies. In six games he tallied nine hits, including five multi-hit games and three doubles. The young growing star has proven to be a valuable offensive weapon to help generate runs when he is hot. Wednesday’s finale saw him lead off and turn in three hits in the game. The Rockies have also enjoyed plenty of star-level play defensively at short. Barehanded grabs, running throws, and impressive range have reminded fans why he was a finalist for the Gold Glove award last season.