Defense a key to success for Rockies against Rays

The Colorado Rockies' bullpen played a pivotal role in the first two contests of the team's three-game series against the host Tampa Bay Rays.

The Rockies hope Ryan Feltner can give the bullpen a much-needed breather in the series finale on Sunday afternoon when he opposes fellow right-hander Taj Bradley.

Feltner, who posted a 3-10 record with a 4.49 ERA last season, will aim to give Colorado its third straight productive outing from its starting pitcher.

Kyle Freeland struck out seven and scattered two hits over six scoreless innings before the bullpen struggled in the Rockies' 3-2 loss to the Rays on Friday.

On Saturday, five relievers combined to yield just one run on three hits in 4 2/3 innings of Colorado's 2-1 win.

Defense also played a role on Saturday for the Rockies, notably two-time Gold Glove center fielder Brenton Doyle's sliding catch to deny Yandy Diaz of extra bases in the fifth inning.

Doyle didn't provide the only gem for Colorado, which saw first baseman Michael Toglia prevent a bad hop from getting by him in the eighth inning to keep Colorado's slim lead. And the Rockies helped their cause by throwing out a runner at the plate to end both the first and third innings.

"I say it all the time -- I think Toglia is a Gold Glove first baseman, and (Ezequiel) Tovar proved that he's a Gold Glove shortstop," Doyle told Rockies.TV. "That was a fun one out there for me today, too."

While the Rockies' defensive performance wasn't fun for the Rays, shortstop Taylor Walls wasn't shy about tipping his cap to the opposition.

"I mean, that's extremely impressive, what they did (on Saturday)," Walls said. "I don't want it to be taken lightly how impressive of a defensive effort, like collectively as a team, that they did."

Feltner, 28, undoubtedly hopes the strong defensive play carries over to Sunday when he faces the Rays for the second time in his career. He allowed one run on two hits and struck out 10 in six innings of a no-decision on April 6, 2024.

Bradley, who has yet to face the Rockies in his young career, experienced pronounced ups and downs last season en route to finishing with an 8-11 record and a 4.11 ERA. The 24-year-old enjoyed a seven-week run last season in which he had an 0.82 ERA, but he posted a 6.29 ERA outside of that.

Junior Caminero went 1-for-4 with a double and a run in the series opener and went 3-for-5 with three singles on Saturday. The Rays have high hopes that Caminero can provide a consistent jolt in the middle of the lineup.

Tampa Bay could use some pop after placing Josh Lowe on the 10-day injured list on Saturday with a strained right oblique. Fellow outfielder Jake Mangum was recalled from Triple-A Durham to replace Lowe, who was injured in the series opener.

--Field Level Media