Slugger Hunter Goodman, Rockies strive to slow down Nationals

Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman was snubbed from last week's Home Run Derby, but he already is making a case for next year's event.

Goodman has a team-high 30 homers for the Rockies, who face the Washington Nationals in the opener of a three-game series on Monday in Denver.

Washington took two of three from the Athletics over the weekend to move two games back from the final National League wild-card spot.

"These guys in the clubhouse have done a lot to get to this point that we are at today," Nationals manager Blake Butera said. "We still have a lot of work that needs to be done, but overall, I'm happy with the way these guys come out ready to play every single day."

Despite owning the NL's worst record (40-61), the Rockies have provided several reasons for optimism. The team boasts a promising young core led by Goodman, right fielder Troy Johnston and first baseman TJ Rumfield.

Goodman hit three home runs in a game for the second time this season and drove in five runs in the Rockies' 9-6 loss to the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.

"His body looks like it's flowing right. He looks dangerous. He just looks in-sync," Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. "You can see the confidence seep out of him."

The 26-year-old Goodman has five multi-homer games this season and is batting .257 with 56 RBIs.

Another player who could be considered for next year's Home Run Derby is Washington shortstop CJ Abrams, who hit his career-high 21st homer in a 5-2 victory over the host Athletics on Sunday.

Abrams started at shortstop for the NL in the All-Star Game, but he said that wasn't even his most memorable moment of the week.

"My favorite part was probably the Home Run Derby," Abrams said. "It was fun to watch."

The pitching matchup for the series opener features a pair of left-handers as Washington's Andrew Alvarez (2-3, 4.04 ERA) faces Colorado's Kyle Freeland (2-8, 7.36).

Alvarez, 27, is set to make his first career start against the Rockies. He has appeared in 13 games this season, including six as a starter.

Alvarez last pitched on July 12, when he replaced starter Cade Cavalli in the seventh inning and allowed three runs over two frames in a home loss to the New York Yankees.

Control has been an ongoing issue for Alvarez, who has walked 22 batters in 49 innings this season. He owns a 4.99 ERA in eight games (three starts) at home this season compared to a 2.45 mark in five games (three starts) away from Nationals Park.

The Rockies will counter with Freeland, who allowed four runs with nine strikeouts over six innings in a 4-2 road loss to the San Francisco Giants on July 11.

"Kyle was excellent," Schaeffer said. "He was efficient. He attacked the strike zone. His fastball was really good. His changeup was really good. He just felt like he was in command of the game."

Freeland, in his 10th major league - all with Colorado -- is one win away from securing his 68th career victory, which would tie him with German Marquez for third in franchise history. Jorge De La Rosa (86) and Aaron Cook (72) sit atop the list.

Freeland, 33, is 5-3 with a 2.14 ERA in 10 career starts versus Washington.

--Field Level Media