If you are expecting a cakewalk this weekend for the Colorado Rockies against the Cleveland Guardians, then think again. The Rockies are just 23 losses away from another 100-loss season, so they are looking to put more wins in that column going forward.

Yet the Guardians are a team with some hitters that pack a punch at the plate. Among those are Chase DeLauter and the always-dangerous Jose Ramirez. DeLauter is putting up solid numbers in just his rookie season in the major leagues.

Colorado needs to come off its off day on Thursday and be prepared to play hard until the final out. That's what Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer has pressed upon his players all season long and, for the most part, they have followed his mindset.

The Rockies are going to need some better work out of their starting pitchers, along with a few key hits along the way. Getting a sweep against this American League Central Division team might not be possible, but winning two out of three contests is possible.

Third baseman Kyle Karros will be back with the ballclub in the dugout as he's been activated from the seven-day concussion Injured List. To make room for Karros, infielder Adael Amador was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Looking at the probable starting pitchers for this series, it appears that the Guardians have a little bit of an edge over Colorado. Maybe the Rockies can counter and knock out some of the Guardians' starting pitchers out of the game early,

Friday, Aug. 21: RHP Tanner Gordon (0-3, 5.55 ERA) vs. LHP Joey Cantillo (9-7, 3.80 ERA)

Heading into Friday night's opener at Coors Field, one has to give Cantillo the edge here. He has 16 decisions this season and a 3.80 ERA as well. Gordon needs to put up a win here and lower that 5-plus ERA some, too.

Saturday, Aug. 22: RHP Gabriel Hughes (0-4, 6.69) vs. RHP Tanner Bibee (4-13, 4.01)

This matchup in some ways compares to Friday night's clash. Bibee's record isn't good and he has way more decisions than Hughes has at this time.

Hughes, much like Gordon, has a chance to come out and help the Rockies defeat the Guardians. If Hughes can pitch effectively in and around the plate, then good things should happen on Saturday night.

Sunday, Aug. 23: RHP Tomoyuki Sugano (12-6, 4.70) vs. LHP Foster Griffin (14-4, 3.18)

Sugano is all set up for a dominant game on Sunday afternoon at Coors Field. Hia 4.70 ERA isn't too good, but that 12-6 overall mark shows that Sugano can be effective.

Griffin has been one of the best starting pitchers for Cleveland this season. For Griffith, he's going to look and try to pick up win No. 15.

All Rockies games against the Guardians can be seen on Rockies.TV. 

In the Denver metropolitan area, Rockies fans can listen into the ballgame on the radio on KOA NewsRadio 850 AM & 94.1 FM.