Split-Squad, Day-Night Double-Header Action for Rockies

This is Owen Perkins, blogging in place of Thomas Harding from March 12-16. 

The Rockies should put a lot of players in action Wednesday with a pair of split squad games in Surprise against the Rangers this afternoon and at home against the D-backs this evening.  It’s feeling close to a first round of cuts, so this could be the last chance for some of the Minor Leaguers to see some Cactus League action.

Manager Jim Tracy essentially brought his starting infield to Surprise and is using his starting outfield at home–with the notable exception that right-fielder Michael Cuddyer is starting at first base tonight. 

Third base is a looking question mark with Casey Blake out due to a stiff neck.  Nolan Arenado will be at the hot corner for the nightcap, and he’s a legitimate candidate for the spot, though he’d be jumping from High A Ball to the Majors.  Brandon Wood is another player creating a buzz as a potential third baseman, and he’ll be starting at short against the D-backs.

Here are the lineups and pitching plans:

Rockies at Rangers, 2:05 p.m. MT
Eric Young Jr., CF
Marco Scutaro, 2B
Troy Tulowitzki, SS
Jason Giambi, DH
Todd Helton, 1B
Jordan Pacheco, C
Tyler Colvin, RF
Brendan Harris, 3B
Tim WQheeler, LF

Pitching Plan at Rangers
Tyler Chatwood
Edwar Cabrera (LHP)
Josh Sullivan
Carlos Torres
Dustin Molleken
Stephen Dodson

Rockis vs. Diamondbacks, 8:10 p.m. MT
Dexter Fowler, CF
Jonathan Herrera, 2B
Carlos Gonzalez, LF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Ramon Hernandez, C
Charlie Blackmon, RF
Brandon Wood, SS
Nolan Arenado, 3B
Juan Nicasio, P

Pitching Plan vs Diamondbacks
Juan Nicasio
Rafael Betancourt
Matt Reynolds
Edgmer Escalona
Josh Roenicke
Mike Ekstrom
Joe Gardner