Weiss sets pitching plan for Cactus openers

By Thomas Harding

March 1, 2015

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rockies manager Walt Weiss announced that right-hander Jordan Lyles will start against the D-backs in Wednesday's Cactus League opener at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

Other schedule starters this week are righty Jhoulys Chacin on Thursday against the D-backs, righty Kyle Kendrick on Friday vs. the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium, and lefty Jorge De La Rosa on Saturday at home against the Cubs.

The Rockies also announced the pitching for a seven-inning intrasquad game on Tuesday. One team will have left-hander Chris Rusin and right-hander John Lannan for two innings apiece, with righties Justin Miller and Scott Oberg, and lefty Jason Gurka throwing an inning. The other team will go with lefty Tyler Matzek for two innings, with righties John Axford, Jose Ortega and Rafael Ortega, and lefties Boone Logan and Buddy Boshers throwing an inning apiece.

With the D-backs scheduled to play Arizona State in the main stadium on Tuesday, the Rockies' intrasquad game will be on one of the practice fields that is not accessible to the public.

Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Hardball in the Rockies, follow him on Twitter @harding_at_mlb, and like his Facebook page, Thomas Harding and Friends at www.Rockies.com.