It's been a while since the Rockies have won a Cactus League game, but perhaps the return of their star shortstop will help -- not that it really matters.
The 8-10-3 Rockies travel to Peoria to face the 6-10 Padres on Monday behind starting pitcher Brett Anderson and a healthy Troy Tulowitzki.
The Rockies have not won in six games, losing three consecutive contests before playing three straight games that resulted in a tie. Tulowitzki hasn't been on the field for any of those after getting hit by a pitch in a game against the Diamondbacks last week. However, the time he has missed has been strictly precautionary, and it should be business as usual for Tulo today. Tulowitzki has a .389 on-base percentage and has slugged .769 with a pair of homers in 18 plate appearances thus far.
Meanwhile, Anderson, who was the Rockies' first starter to reach the five-inning threshold, will perhaps garner a greater workload against the division rival Friars today. No Rockies starter has gone more than five, but Anderson could be the first today, depending on how efficient he is with his pitches. Anderson boasts a 1.80 ERA this spring with five strikeouts in a walk in 10 innings of work.
Tyson Ross will be on the hill for the Padres facing a Rockies lineup that is short three or four projected regulars. Ross has struggled a bit with his control this spring, issuing six free passes (while also striking out six batters) in 8⅓ innings.