D-backs vs. Rockies preview: Wade Miley's milestone, finishing strong, injury update and starting lineups

The Arizona Diamondbacks are set to open their final series of the season at home against the Colorado Rockies. To open the series, Arizona will send rookie Wade Miley to the mound to face the Rockies' Drew Pomeranz. If Miley can pick up a win, it would be his 17th of the season and would be a benchmark number among rookie pitchers. He would join Justin Verlander and C.C. Sabathia as the only rookie pitchers to win 17 games in 27 years. Way, way back, Dwight Gooden and Rick Sutcliffe also won 17 games. Before that, Mark Fydrich won 19 games his rookie year in 1976.

D-backs manager Kirk Gibson talked about Miley's success and about what he has to do moving forward to continue to succeed. He noted the pace he pitches with. "The way he paces the game is really good to play behind," he said. "People like that."

"He's a determined young pitcher. The sky is the limit for him, but success is hard. He'll have to go off in the offseason and relax and have some fun, then have to start getting on a training program like he had before.

"He's got to understand and realize that nothing comes for free. Just because you're successful doesn't mean you're going to be successful next year."

On the injury note, Gibson said that outfielder Chris Young will not start the rest of the season, but will be available for pinch hitting. Third baseman Chris Johnson and Paul Goldschmidt are back in the lineup. Goldie's back has calmed down and Johnson's hand is not broken.

When Gibson was told that a 2-1 series would ensure a winning season, he said the team is trying to win all three games. He cited how the season did not go how they had envisioned and expected. He said that last year they probably overachieved a little, but that definitely they underachieved this year.

At this point, the players are playing for pride, for the fans and for their jobs next season. There certainly is reaosn enough to want to won and perform well.

Here are tonight's starting lineups:

Rockies:

1. Josh Rutledge, 2B
2. Tyler Colvin, CF
3. Chris Nelson, 3B
4. Wilin Rosario, C
5. Andrew Brown, RF
6. Matt McBride, 1B
7. Charlie Blackmon, LF
8. Jonathan Herrera, SS
9. Drew Pomeranz

Diamondbacks:

1. A.J. Pollock, CF
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Justin Upton, RF
4. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
5. Miguel Montero, C
6. Chris Johnson, 3B
7. Gerardo Parra, LF
8. John McDonald, SS
9. Wade Miley, P