New York @ Colorado preview

Last Meeting ( May 7, 2013 ) NY Yankees 0, Colorado 2

Few outside of the Colorado Rockies' organization gave them much chance of starting 19-13 and even less would have thought the bullpen would be the driving force. The first-place Rockies will try to make it two straight over the Yankees when they host New York in the middle contest of a three-game series Wednesday. Colorado's bullpen sports a 2.82 ERA - third in the National League and sixth in baseball - after its 4.52 mark was part of the worst ERA in baseball (5.22) in 2012.

The Rockies' starting rotation hasn't been nearly as effective (4.52 ERA), so don't let Juan Nicasio's 3-0 record fool you. Colorado's Wednesday starter has not pitched past the fifth inning in his last five outings while averaging 92 pitches during that span. New York's David Phelps will make his second start since replacing the injured Ivan Nova in the rotation. The Yankees have lost three of their last four as injuries to six regulars are beginning to take their toll.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, YES (New York), ROOT Sports (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH David Phelps (1-1, 5.56 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Juan Nicasio (3-0, 4.91)

Phelps allowed 11 runs (10 earned) and 17 hits in 17 innings (six games) of relief before being thrust into the rotation. The 26-year-old St. Louis native, who was 2-2 with a 3.75 ERA in 11 starts last season, allowed four runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings in his first start of 2013 while receiving a no-decision in New York's 5-4 victory over Houston on Wednesday. Phelps has never faced the Rockies, although Yorvit Torrealba hit a two-run homer against him while with Toronto in 2012.

Nicasio has struggled with his command as he has allowed 15 walks and 30 hits in 29 1/3 innings, leading to a 1.53 WHIP and .259 batting average against. Colorado has won four of his six starts, including a 7-3 victory at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday when he pitched only four innings. The 26-year-old Nicasio has faced New York once, earning a no-decision after allowing four runs in five innings in a 6-4 loss at Yankee Stadium during his rookie season of 2011.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York INF Chris Nelson, who was acquired from Colorado on Wednesday, went 0-for-3 in his return to Coors Field on Tuesday and is 0-for-10 since joining the Yankees.

2. Colorado SS Troy Tulowitzki missed Tuesday's game after an MRI revealed minor swelling in his left groin. Tulowitzki missed the final 113 games last season after undergoing groin surgery.

3. Tuesday's contest began a stretch where the Yankees play 26 of their next 40 games on the road.

PREDICTION: Rockies 9, Yankees 8