Gray Replaces Anderson as Monday Starter

Jon Gray’s return to the rotation was moved up a game, and should the Rockies’ post-season opportunity still be undecided come Game 162 on Sunday, the Rockies could turn to German Marquez on three days of rest.

The Rockies rotation had to be adjusted after left-hander Tyler Anderson was scratched because of left shoulder soreness, prompting the move of Gray from a Tuesday start to Monday.

Manager Bud Black said Monday afternoon that Chad Bettis will start on Tuesday if Anderson isn’t ready, which is likely. Bettis will be counted on for 30-to-50 pitches in what will be his first start since Aug. 12, after which he was moved into the bullpen, and then spent 12 days before making for his first relief appearance.

He has made only seven appearances, working a total of 8 1/3 innings, and has not been in a game since Sept. 13.

With Gray moving into the Monday start, that would put him in line to start on Saturday against the Nationals, and create a need for a starter on Sunday, which would be Marquez on short rest if the post-season is at stake.

All of this comes with the Rockies heading into the final seven games of the regular season 1 1/2 games back of both the first-place Dodgers in the NL West, and the Cardinals for the No. 2 NL wild-card spot.