DENVER -- While his Rockies teammates are stumping for him for inclusion on the All-Star team, righty Scott Oberg figures that’s the domain of guys with “a lot of saves or, like [Milwaukee’s] Josh Hader last year, you just punch out the world.”

Besides, Oberg may be asked to pitch at a more crucial time -- the ninth inning.

Wade Davis, in the second year of a three-year, $52 million deal, is struggling, with a 6.00 ERA and 16 walks in 24 innings. Davis went through a couple rough patches last year, but ended up leading the National League with 43 saves, so there is confidence he can return to form. But right now, there are questions, especially after his four-run ninth inning in Thursday's 12-8 loss to the Dodgers.

“It’s a fair question; we’re contemplating a few things,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “The walk rate, for me with Wade, is something that’s concerning. Wade and I have talked about it, and we’ll continue to talk about that, too.”

Black did not announce a change. Whatever the situation against the Dodgers Friday night, Black said Davis -- who earned a save Wednesday at San Francisco -- was unlikely to pitch.

Oberg (5-1, 2.04 ERA, three saves in 35 appearances) went through such a difficult patch early last season that he ended up at Triple-A Albuquerque. But in 81 appearances since his return last May 29, Oberg is 12-2 with a 1.75 ERA, 9.27 strikeouts per nine innings and 23 walks in 87 1/3 innings.

This year has been a continuation of last, when at times during the Rockies’ run to the postseason Oberg was outperforming Adam Ottavino (now with the Yankees), who was last year’s setup man that many considered deserving of All-Star status.

“I don’t really think it’s anything too different from where I was at the end of last year,” Oberg said. “I haven’t really compared and contrasted any of the numbers. I’m just in the same place, mentally. If I can attack the hitters and put myself in good counts and control the count, I put myself in better position to succeed.”

One change has been the increase in strikeout rate. His 9.76 per nine innings thus far is higher than any full-season rate in his career. But the potential has been there. In the Minors, where he was mostly a closer, his strikeout rate stayed between 10 and 13 per nine.

“With the fastball it’s a combination of velocity -- 94-95 [mph], which is on a scouting scale a little bit above-average fastball and location,” Black said of Oberg. “When you have velocity and you have location, you’re going to have some misses. And also his breaking ball [usually a slider] has been more consistent, too -- more consistent down and in to the right-hander or down away from the righty.”

Whatever happens, it’s better the Rockies have both Oberg and Davis pitching well. Davis knows he has to find a groove.

“I’m really fine, but anytime you give up four runs without getting three outs it’s not acceptable, so I’ve just got to keep getting better and get better results,” Davis said after Thursday’s game.

Story set for rehab, Oh taking next step

Black said shortstop Trevor Story (right thumb sprain) will play at Albuquerque on Saturday and Sunday, which would put him in line to return Tuesday night against the Astros. … Righty reliever Seunghwan Oh (left midsection strain) faced hitters for about 20 pitches Friday and will have a similar session Tuesday or Wednesday.