DENVER -- Rockies righty Jon Gray will return to the Rockies' starting rotation a night earlier than originally believed.
Gray, who was skipped last time through the rotation after giving up six runs and seven hits in two-plus innings at Los Angeles last Monday night, will be moved up to start tonight against the Phillies at Coors Field, as lefty Tyler Anderson was scratched with left shoulder soreness.
Colorado is opening a four-game series and seven-game regular-season-ending homestand that the Rockies need -- they're 1 1/2 games behind the National League West-leading Dodgers, and the same distance behind the Cardinals, who currently hold the second NL Wild Card spot.
Gray (11-8, 5.07 ERA) has had a topsy-turvy year that included a brief option to Triple-A Albuquerque at the end of June, a hot streak upon his return to the tune of a 4-0 record and 3.08 ERA from July 14 to Sept. 1, followed by three starts in which he didn't pitch more than four innings -- including being roughed up a week ago. Gray, however, believes that he has found a free-and-easy delivery during his most recent bullpen sessions.

The Rockies have not announced a starter for Tuesday, and it's not clear if Anderson just needed an extra day of rest or if he'll need more time off. After struggling for much of the second half, Anderson has pitched well in his past two starts (both no-decisions), posting a 3.00 ERA with 10 strikeouts and two walks. Anderson's most recent win, however, was July 4 -- 13 starts ago.