Rockies set rotation for post-break series

DENVER -- The Rockies have set their rotation coming out of the All-Star break, first looking to build on their historic start by trotting out Jon Gray (2-0, 3.75 ERA), Tyler Chatwood (6-10, 4.42) and Jeff Hoffman (5-1, 4.15) against the Mets in New York, with the series beginning Friday.
Additionally, Antonio Senzatela had said Saturday he will likely start July 18 vs. the Padres, leaving just one slot between him and Hoffman for that series' opener up in the air. Germán Márquez and Kyle Freeland, two young starters, have not been announced for any start coming out of the break.
Manager Bud Black said Rockies pitchers are looking to continue learning how to put hitters away with two strikes.
"What you have to do, over the grand scale, is minimize your mistakes," Black said. "Minimize those things that you can control and try to shorten that mistake gap as best you can.
"Because in a long season, roughly, and I tell this to the pitchers, if you make 33 starts and you throw 100 pitches a game, that's 3,300 pitches you're gonna throw in a big league season. Are they all gonna be located with a great velocity and a proper spin? No way."
Worth noting
• Ian Desmond is progressing on schedule from his injury, Black said, and the Rockies hope he'll be able to come off the disabled list on Friday when he's first eligible. Desmond suffered a right calf strain while making a catch vs. the D-backs on July 2.
The team will decide whether to activate him for Friday's opener with the Mets likely on Wednesday or Thursday, Black said.
"He did some things on the field today, which is a good sign," Black said.