Dodgers defeat Rockies 8-4 on June 24, 2025. Despite the loss, Elehuris Montero homered and Kyle Freeland's impending return offers a spark of hope.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a familiar story at Coors Field on Tuesday night: an early deficit, a powerful Dodgers lineup, and another tally in the loss column. The Rockies fell 8-4 in the series opener, dropping their MLB-worst record to 18-61. But amidst the predictable sting of defeat, a few key developments offered a much-needed dose of optimism, hinting that reinforcements are finally on the way for a beleaguered ballclub.
'Kyle looked sharp and felt good. We're optimistic he'll be ready for his next turn.' - Manager Bud Black on Kyle Freeland's impending return.
The Dodgers wasted no time, roughing up starter Dakota Hudson for six runs (five earned) in just 4.1 innings. Mookie Betts led the charge for Los Angeles with a three-hit night, and the Rockies found themselves playing catch-up from the get-go. Despite the lopsided score, the Colorado offense showed some fight. Elehuris Montero continued to swing a hot bat, launching a two-run homer, while Brenton Doyle added a solo shot in the seventh. It was a classic Coors Field affair, just not for the home team's pitching staff.
While the team result was disappointing, individual performances provided a silver lining. Elehuris Montero's 2-for-4 night, punctuated by his home run, was a significant bright spot. The team also welcomed second baseman Thairo Estrada back to the lineup. After missing several games with a bruised hand, Estrada immediately made his presence felt, hitting a double and scoring a run in his 1-for-4 return. Getting his bat back in the fifth spot is a welcome sight for a lineup searching for consistency.
Perhaps the best news of the day came from off the field. Lefty Kyle Freeland threw a successful bullpen session and is on track to start Friday's game against the Brewers. Manager Bud Black confirmed the Denver native 'looked sharp' and is poised to rejoin the rotation after being sidelined with back tightness. Freeland's return can't come soon enough for a starting staff that has been battered and bruised all season, offering a potential anchor and a major morale boost.
While the trade deadline looms, Tuesday was quiet on the transaction front. The front office continues to evaluate its options, but the real hope for a franchise turnaround lies further down the road. The Rockies' farm system, featuring promising talents like outfielders Charlie Condon and Robert Calaz, and Double-A slugger Yanquiel Fernandez, remains the organization's biggest asset. While fans wait for wins at the major league level, the development of these future stars provides a crucial glimmer of what could be.
It was another tough night at 20th and Blake, but Tuesday wasn't all bad news. With Estrada back in the fold and Freeland's return imminent, the Rockies get a much-needed injection of veteran presence. All eyes now turn to Friday, where the hometown kid will hopefully give this team, and its fans, a reason to cheer against the Brewers.
