June has not been a friendly month for the Colorado Rockies. When they aren’t struggling with their offense, their bullpen has proven unable to hold a lead regularly. They have yet to win consecutive games this month and sit comfortably in last place in the division while remaining well out of the Wild Card race. During their 10-game homestand, the Rockies won just three times, twice via a walk-off, and have not won a series in June. After a promising rebound in May, the Rockies are back to performing like they were in March/April. Still, there have been highlights like the performances of All-Star candidates Ryan McMahon and Ezequiel Tovar, as well as promising results from youngsters Michael Toglia and Hunter Goodman. The team also saw the return of Kyle Freeland on Sunday where he turned in a quality outing against the Washington Nationals. Still, the cons outweigh the pros as the Rockies begin to figure out their deadline plans.

The Houston Astros have not been themselves in 2024. The team that has gone to seven straight Champion Series has a losing record of 38-40, sitting 5 1/2 games behind the Seattle Mariners in their division and 4 1/2 games back of the third Wild Card spot. Injuries have plagued the pitching staff and they haven’t had their entire offense firing on all cylinders at times, but they are still led by veteran Jose Altuve at the plate and Framber Valdez on the mound. The Astros have a 104-85 record against the Rockies, their fifth-best winning percentage against a team and they already have a two-game series victory under their belt after the two teams faced off in Mexico City in April. The Astros look to keep up some momentum after sweeping the Baltimore Orioles in three games.

Pitching Probables

6/25: Austin Gomber (1-4, 4.36) vs. Hunter Brown (4-5, 4.72)

June has been a far cry from the stellar performances that Austin Gomber turned in over the first two months of the season. After allowing three or more runs just twice in 10 starts in April and May, Gomber has allowed three or more runs in all four of his starts in June. In his previous outing, Gomber tossed 6 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving up a pair of home runs, but it was still a decent enough outing all things considered. Still, the Rockies need Gomber to find a consistent and efficient day on the mound against a tough Astros lineup.

Hunter Brown struggled in April, but began to turn things around in May and has found a nice rhythm in June. He has allowed just four runs in 25 innings this month, including a pair of scoreless outings. In his last start against the Chicago White Sox, Brown threw six innings, allowing just a solo home run. Despite some struggles, his ability to get strikeouts has remained his best trait. Since May 5, he has just on game where he failed to get at least five strikeouts. Walks do tend to come in bunches in a start as he hasn’t walked a batter since issuing four back on June 8.

6/26: Ryan Feltner (1-6, 6.02) vs. Spencer Arrighetti (3-6, 6.36)

Ryan Feltner’s last two months have been filled with inconsistency and forgettable outings. Out of necessity he’s typically be able to work into the fifth inning, but teams have found a way to get the bat on the ball and score runs against him. In his last outing, he allowed six runs over five innings against the Dodgers. He’s not prone to walk many batters he hasn’t allowed more than two in a given start this season and can get plenty of strikeouts, but at times he leaves too many hittable balls over the plate that begin to stack up quickly.

Spencer Arrighetti has experienced the same type of season as Feltner as he has also struggled with consistency and finding his footing this season. In his last start, he allowed three runs in 4 1/3 innings but issued four walks. Walks have been an issue this season as he’s allowed 12 in 14 1/3 innings this month after allowing 16 in 33 innings last month. Command has been an issue and a patient team can be effective against him if they are willing to wait for the right pitch to hit.

Players to watch

Jose Altuve has a .299 batting average to lead the Astros, and has 16 doubles and 12 home runs while Alex Bregman is 16-for-42 with two RBI over the past 10 games.

Ryan McMahon ranks second on the Rockies with 31 extra-base hits (17 doubles and 14 home runs) and young catcher Hunter Goodman is 9-for-37 with a double, five home runs and 10 RBI over the past 10 games with regular playing time.

Injuries

Astros: Jake Bloss: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Victor Caratini: 10-Day IL (hip), Justin Verlander: 15-Day IL (neck), Cristian Javier: 60-Day IL (forearm), Kyle Tucker: 10-Day IL (shin), Jose Urquidy: 60-Day IL (forearm), Oliver Ortega: 60-Day IL (elbow), Bennett Sousa: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Penn Murfee: 60-Day IL (elbow), Luis Garcia: 60-Day IL (elbow), Lance McCullers Jr.: 60-Day IL (elbow), Kendall Graveman: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Rockies: Charlie Blackmon: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Adael Amador: 10-Day IL (oblique), Josh Rogers: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Elias Diaz: 10-Day IL (calf), 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)