Colorado Rockies vs Philadelphia Phillies Picks and Predictions May 21st 2025

Phillies bring Taijuan Walker back to rotation for matchup vs. Rockies

The Philadelphia Phillies are on fire, and their resurgence couldn’t come at a better time. After a middling 13-13 start to the season, the team has flipped the script entirely, going 17-5 since and riding a five-game winning streak. With their offense firing on all cylinders and pitching depth holding strong, they’re now poised to extend that momentum even further as Taijuan Walker rejoins the starting rotation in a pivotal matchup against the Colorado Rockies.

Walker’s Return Highlights Phillies’ Confidence

Philadelphia will hand the ball to right-hander Taijuan Walker (1-3, 2.62 ERA) for Wednesday night’s game at Coors Field—the third of a four-game series against the Rockies. Despite the lopsided win-loss record, Walker has been quietly effective this season, maintaining a stellar ERA over eight appearances, including two relief outings.

Walker’s return to the rotation marks his first start since May 1. The timing is no coincidence—he’s previously dominated the Rockies, holding a career 4-1 record and a 2.09 ERA against them. His last outing against Colorado on April 3 saw him throw six shutout innings in a 3-1 Phillies win.

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Offense Keeps Rolling with Schwarber’s Heroics

The Phillies’ offense has come alive in Denver. Monday night was a milestone moment as Kyle Schwarber crushed his 300th career home run—a 466-foot blast that set the tone for a 9-3 victory. Schwarber wasn’t done there; he added another homer in Tuesday’s 7-4 win.

“I’m just grateful,” Schwarber said of the milestone. “Twelve-year-old me never thought 300 homers would be possible.”

This explosive offensive output provides the perfect backdrop for Walker’s return—especially considering that run support has been scarce in many of his outings this year.

Rockies Struggle Amid Youth Movement

In stark contrast, the Colorado Rockies are in a deep rebuild. Their 8-40 record is the worst in the majors, and they’ve leaned heavily on young, untested talent. Wednesday’s starter, Carson Palmquist (0-1, 11.25 ERA), is a 24-year-old lefty making just his second big-league start.

Palmquist debuted against the Arizona Diamondbacks last Friday, surrendering five runs over four innings in an 8-0 loss. Despite the rocky beginning, Rockies interim manager Warren Schaeffer remains optimistic about the rookie’s potential.

“He attacked the strike zone, stayed composed—it’s a good sign,” Schaeffer said. “He’s only going to get better.”

Palmquist is one of 10 Rockies players aged 25 or younger, underlining Colorado’s commitment to rebuilding with youth. Check The latest Baseball Picks from MLB Expert Handicappers

Bright Spot: Tovar’s Return and Impact

Shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, recently back from a hip injury, has been a rare bright spot for the Rockies. Since returning last Friday, he’s gone 8-for-17 (.471) with two home runs, offering both offensive production and defensive reliability. Yet, even with Tovar’s spark, Colorado hasn’t been able to turn their season around.

Matchup Outlook: Experience vs. Potential

Wednesday’s matchup at Coors Field pits experience against potential. The Phillies, driven by playoff aspirations, are charging ahead behind a seasoned rotation and explosive offense. Meanwhile, the Rockies are banking on developmental gains amid a historically difficult start.

For Philadelphia, a win would further cement their status as National League contenders. For Colorado, every game is an audition—a chance to see which young players might anchor their future.