Dodgers vs. Rockies schedule, TV times & starting pitchers

The Dodgers hit the road for the first time in 2017, starting with a three-game weekend series against the Rockies at Coors Field in Denver. Here is a look at the pitching matchups and schedule for the series, which begins with an afternoon contest for the Rockies’ home opener.

Friday, 1:10 p.m. PT (SportsNet LA, MLB Network)

Congratulations, Hyun-jin Ryu, for winning the fifth starter job in the Dodgers rotation, after pitching in just one game in the last two seasons combined. Your reward for earning that spot is a start at Coors Field.

Kyle Freeland will be making his major league debut on Friday, the second Rockies starting pitcher in as many days to do so, joining Antonio Senzatela. Freeland is one of a bevy of left-handers set to face the Dodgers in the coming days. In addition to two in this series in Denver, the Dodgers will face two more southpaws in Chicago, including Jon Lester, who was shuffled in the Cubs rotation to start Monday night at Wrigley Field.

The MLB Network broadcast will not be available in the Dodgers or Rockies television markets.

Saturday, 5:10 p.m. (SportsNet LA)

Clayton Kershaw managed to avoid Coors Field last year. He has allowed five runs in Denver twice since 2013, but in five of his last seven starts against the Rockies on the road he has allowed three or fewer runs, including a shutout and another start of eight scoreless innings.

The Dodgers haven’t lost a Kershaw start at Coors Field since May 2, 2012.

Jon Gray faced the Dodgers five times last year, and the Rockies won three. Gray in six career starts against Los Angeles has more strikeouts than innings pitched five times, with 46 total strikeouts in 30⅔ innings and a 4.11 ERA.

Sunday, 12:10 p.m. (SportsNet LA, KTLA)

Kenta Maeda fared quite well in Coors Field in his first season in the U.S., posting a 2-1 record and 2.12 ERA in three starts, with 19 strikeouts against only two walks in his 17 innings. Tyler Anderson, another lefty, had a 1.83 ERA in three starts as a rookie last year against the Dodgers, including allowing just two runs in two starts in Denver.

The series finale will be simulcast on KTLA, the second of 10 games in April and May available on the network.