- Date: Sunday, July 21, 2024
- Game: San Francisco Giants at Colorado Rockies
- Start Time: 03:10 PM ET
Andy Kuno / San Francisco Giants / Getty Images
Today’s highlighted matchup will feature the Giants and the Rockies in Coors Field. Ryan Feltner enters the game with a season ERA hovering around 5.40, struggling with consistency and control (C- rating, based on my model). His home splits are even worse with an ERA of 6.75. Despite showing flashes of potential, Feltner has been prone to giving up the long ball. He has a fly ball rate of 33.9% and a 33.6% hard contact rate, a dangerous tendency in Coors Field.
On the other side, Hayden Birdsong has been a revelation for the Giants, boasting a solid 3.72 ERA. Birdsong’s ability to miss bats (COL are 4th in K% vs RHP with 25.4%), coupled with his excellent command (B rating, based on my model), makes him a tough opponent. Hitters facing Birdsong are batting .239 with 17 hits in 19.1 innings of work allowing only 3 homers so far this season.
With a clear pitching advantage in Birdsong and a more reliable, potent lineup, the Giants are well-positioned against the Rockies. Look for Birdsong to neutralize the Rockies’ hitters early and the Giants’ offense to capitalize on Feltner’s weaknesses.
Notes: Rockies are 5-14 SU when Ryan Feltner starts this season and 0-5 SU in the last game of a series. Heliot Ramos and Matt Chapman might stand out for the Giants today.