Jon Gray will be the starting pitcher in the Colorado Rockies’ National League Wild Card matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday, Manager Bud Black announced Sunday.
Gray, 25, battled through a foot injury during the early portion of the season, but he has excelled from the month of August on, owning an ERA of 2.43 and a win-loss record of 7-2 over the final two months of the season. Opposing hitters hit just .225 against Gray in 35.0 innings pitched in September.
Gray gives the Rockies a solid chance to win in a one-game playoff. His overpowering fastball and electric slider make him one of the more dominant up-and-coming pitchers in the game today. His 10 wins this season matches a career high.
That said, there are certainly areas for improvement in his game. At times, Gray tends to overthrow the ball and thus lose command of his pitches. With that, Gray has continued to state that he’s matured and feels more comfortable on the mound. He has just 58 career starts to his name over three seasons in the Major Leagues. This will be his first career postseason start.
The term ‘ace’ and Gray have been associated for some time now; however, with his boom or bust performance and limited experience, ace status has eluded Gray to this point, but a marquee start Wednesday could change that narrative.
Gray last faced the Diamondbacks on Sept. 12. He earned his second of four consecutive wins to end the regular season, scattering seven hits over seven innings and striking out 10. Twice Gray has tallied 10 strikeouts in a game this season, both against the Diamondbacks and both times in Arizona (June 30 and Sept. 12).
Gray will oppose Arizona’s ace, Zack Greinke who owns a lifetime 3.55 ERA in the postseason.
The Rockies and Diamondbacks will square off on Wednesday night at Chase Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. MDT. The game will be broadcast nationally on TBS.
