Arizona Diamondbacks vs Colorado Rockies Picks and Predictions May 16th 2025

D-backs Look to Gain Ground Against Free-Falling Rockies

The Arizona Diamondbacks may finally be able to exhale after navigating a 16-game stretch in 16 days against playoff-caliber competition. Now, they get a welcome change of pace—and potentially a critical opportunity—with the Colorado Rockies in town for a three-game series beginning Friday night in Phoenix.

The Rockies, amid another dismal season, recently fired long-time manager Bud Black after a 6-33 start that tied the worst 39-game record in MLB history. They’ve since added another loss and enter this series at a miserable 7-36. The interim manager, Warren Schaeffer, hasn’t yet changed the club’s fortunes.

The D-backs, meanwhile, sit at .500 after surviving a brutal run of games against the Giants, Dodgers, and Padres. With Ketel Marte back in the lineup and Corbin Burnes on the hill, Arizona is hoping this is the stretch where it starts climbing the NL Wild Card ladder.

For latest game lines, over/unders, and player props, check our MLB Odds Page.

Corbin Burnes Ready to Roll After Shoulder Scare

Corbin Burnes (2-1, 2.95 ERA) returns to the mound Friday night following his best outing of the season: seven scoreless innings against the Dodgers in a 3-0 win last Saturday. The 2021 NL Cy Young winner allowed only five singles and struck out six with no walks.

That start came just days after Burnes missed a scheduled appearance due to shoulder inflammation, which he attributed to a dead arm feeling. A cortisone shot and a few days of rest seemed to do the trick.

“I’m pretty confident,” Burnes said. “This is something I’ve felt before in spring, but not usually during the season. We’re good to go.”

The D-backs desperately need that to be true. Arizona’s bullpen ranks near the bottom of the league with a 5.19 ERA, and Burnes going deep into games is crucial to preserving leads and saving arms.

D-backs Reinforcements Arrive: Lawlar and Graveman Activated

Arizona used its recent off-day to retool the roster, promoting top infield prospect Jordan Lawlar and activating veteran reliever Kendall Graveman.

• Lawlar, the 2021 first-round pick, slashed .336/.413/.579 with 15 doubles and six homers in 37 games at Triple-A Reno. He’s expected to get 3-4 starts per week, rotating between DH and infield positions.
• Graveman, out since spring training with a back strain, joins a bullpen lacking its primary closers A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez. He brings valuable late-inning experience after returning from shoulder surgery that cost him the entire 2024 season.

GM Mike Hazen said it best: “At some point, we’re required to put the 26 best players in our organization on the team.”

Ketel Marte’s Return Sparks Arizona

After spending a month on the IL with a hamstring strain, Ketel Marte has come back with a vengeance, smashing five home runs since May 8. His two-homer day in Wednesday’s 8-7 win over the Giants powered the D-backs to a series victory.

Though Marte exited the game early with hip stiffness, the team said it was precautionary and he’s day-to-day heading into the weekend.

“It’s great to get a day off after 16 straight games,” shortstop Geraldo Perdomo said. “We played decent, and now it’s time to get back to winning more.”

Rockies in Freefall Even After Managerial Change

When the Rockies fired Bud Black last Sunday, the move was seen as a long-overdue reset. However, the on-field product hasn’t improved. Since Black’s departure, Colorado was swept in three games by the Texas Rangers, pushing their season record to 7-36.

Their issues are everywhere:

• Offense ranks bottom-five in batting average, slugging, and runs per game.
• Pitching staff has a team ERA above 5.70, worst in MLB.
• Morale is low, as evident in mounting blowout losses and consistent defensive lapses.

Still, interim manager Warren Schaeffer is staying optimistic.

“Every day we show up to work is a chance to move the ball forward,” he told the Denver Post.

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Rockies Have Not Announced Friday Starter

As of Friday morning, the Rockies had not announced a starter for the series opener. With injuries plaguing the rotation and the bullpen already overtaxed, it’s likely the team will go with a bullpen game or call up a depth arm from Triple-A Albuquerque.

This uncertainty only highlights the Rockies’ ongoing turmoil and provides Arizona a potential opportunity to jump on inexperienced pitching early.

Key Stats and Trends

• Arizona bullpen ERA: 5.19, third-worst in MLB
• Corbin Burnes: 2.95 ERA, 47 K in 42.2 IP
• D-backs are 8-8 in their last 16 games, all vs. playoff contenders
• Ketel Marte has 5 HRs since May 8
• Jordan Lawlar: .336/.413/.579 in Triple-A Reno
• Colorado is 1-11 in their last 12 games
• Rockies’ team ERA: 5.71, worst in the majors

FAQs

Who is starting Friday for the Diamondbacks?
Corbin Burnes (2-1, 2.95 ERA) is on the mound for Arizona.

Who is starting for the Rockies?
As of Friday, Colorado has not announced a starter for the series opener.

How has Ketel Marte played since returning?
He’s hit five home runs since May 8 and has helped lead the team’s recent offensive surge.

Why was Bud Black fired by the Rockies?
After a 6-33 start, the front office felt it was time for a change. Interim manager Warren Schaeffer has since taken over.

Is Jordan Lawlar going to start every day?
No, the D-backs plan to give him 3-4 starts per week, rotating between DH and infield duties.

Where can I find predictions and betting picks for this series?
Check our MLB Picks Page for expert insights, betting trends, and top prop plays.