Daniel Mengden returns to the mound to open A’s-Rockies two-game series

The last time the Oakland A’s (3-1) hosted the Colorado Rockies (2-1), Jesús Luzardo was barely old enough to get his driver’s license.

The Rockies are coming off a bye after a series win at the Texas Rangers’ new $1.2 billion stadium. The A’s hope to continue their two-game win streak during this short two-game series before they earn their first off day.

The two teams have not faced each other since 2018 and haven’t played in Oakland since 2015. Overall, the Rockies lead the series (16-15). Both starting pitchers will make their 2020 debut but will also overcome a “first time” in a different aspect as well.

Rockies veteran starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela (11-11, 6.71 ERA in 2019) and A’s Daniel Mengden (5-2, 4.83 ERA in 2019) is an interesting matchup.

Mengden appeared in 13 games last season and had 9 starts with the A’s, while Senzatela started in all 25 of the games he pitched in. Mengden was activated off the 60-day injury list six days ago after surgery on his right elbow. Mengden spent most of 2019 recovering and will have to face a Rockies post-season starting pitcher.

Mengden has never pitched against the Rockies through his MLB career and Senzatela has yet to pitch in Oakland but is 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA against the A’s in Colorado. The only two players Mengden has faced on the Rockies starting line up are Matt Kemp and Daniel Murphy, who both went 2-for-3 against him.

What’s rocking

Rockies LHP Tim Collins opted out of the 2020 season yesterday after news broke out about an increase in Marlins positive Covid-19 results. The Marlins have postponed their games until Sunday, August 2.

Collins is the first player in the MLB to opt out since news came out and will be the second Rockies player to opt out, this season joining teammate Ian Desmond. Collins wasn’t on the active 30-man roster on Opening Day but had a 3.12 ERA in 2019.

Trevor Story is the talk of the team after a two-homer game in the opening series. Colorado was able to beat the Rangers without starting ace pitcher Corey Kluber who threw only 19 pitches in the first game against the Rockies and was removed due to shoulder stiffness. It was his first start in about 15 months and he isn’t expected back for at least four weeks, a very long time in this shortened season.

Battle at Third

Matt Chapman and Nolan Arenado are two of the AL’s best third basemen and the two actually played on the same high school team. Chapman was Arenado’s backup, and now the two share the field as platinum glove third basemen.

Notes

The Astros 3-1 record is tied with the Rays, Astros, Cubs and Padres for the best record in the MLB. … The A’s have an off day after this two-game series. … The Rockies been on the road for all of 2020 and will their have home opener Friday against the Padres.

Simone McCarthy is SFBay’s Oakland Athletics beat writer. Follow @SFBay and @SimoneMcCarthy0 on Twitter and at SFBay.ca for full coverage of A’s baseball.