Rockies Game Shifts Again as Brennan Bernardino Gets the Ball
The rockies game plan changed quickly after a rough afternoon at Coors Field, and the next test arrives with another left-hander on the mound. The Colorado Rockies are turning to Brennan Bernardino in game two of the homestand on Saturday, following José Quintana’s injury and move to the 15-day injured list. The Philadelphia Phillies come in after a 10-1 win in the opener and will send Jesús Luzardo to start as they try to extend a three-game win streak.
Rockies Game Two Opens With Rotation Shuffling
This rockies game comes one day after the Phillies overwhelmed Colorado in the home opener, leaving the Rockies searching for a steadier start in front of their own crowd. Bernardino has worked three relief innings across four games this season, allowing two hits, no runs, and one strikeout, and he was credited with the win in the 2-1 extra innings victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.
Colorado will not ask Bernardino to handle the full load alone. Chase Dollander is expected to cover the bulk of the innings, a continuation of the club’s decision to begin the season with him in a bullpen role even as injuries have forced early adjustments to the rotation.
Lineup Changes Set the Tone Early
The Rockies also made several lineup changes for this rockies game. Brett Sullivan will start behind the plate, Hunter Goodman moves to the designated hitter spot, and Troy Johnston steps in at first base after a DH appearance on the previous day. Jordan Beck and Tyler Freeman replace Jake McCarthy and Mickey Moniak in the outfield.
On the other side, Luzardo takes the ball after a rocky first outing of 2026, when he gave up six runs across six innings, with two home runs allowed and seven strikeouts. The Phillies are trying to keep their momentum after a game in which they produced three home runs and 13 hits.
Left-Handed Matchup Shapes the Night
The pitcher matchup gives this rockies game a clear early identity: lefty against lefty, with both clubs leaning on southpaws to set the tone. The Rockies’ challenge is immediate and practical — stay clean early, avoid another fast deficit, and give the offense a chance to reset after the opener.
Radio coverage is listed for the KOA Rockies Radio Network at 850 AM and 94. 1 FM. The night game at Coors Field adds another layer to a homestand that has already turned tense, and the Rockies will need Bernardino, Dollander, and a reshaped lineup to steady the response. If Colorado can contain the first few innings, this rockies game could look very different from the opener.
