The San Diego Padres face the Colorado Rockies in a critical three-game series starting Friday. The games will be played at Coors Field in Denver. This National League matchup carries significant weight for the Padres' postseason hopes.

San Diego aims to solidify its wild-card position despite a recent losing streak. Colorado looks to play spoiler and avoid a historically bad season record.

Veteran right-hander Nick Pivetta is the probable starter for the Padres. He will be opposed by Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland. Freeland returns just days after an ejection from his previous start.

The Padres continue to navigate significant injuries. All-Star reliever Jason Adam is out for the season. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts remains on the injured list.

According to Field Level Media, the team remains focused. "Every team has injured players," said center fielder Jackson Merrill. "We've just got to keep grinding."

San Diego's trade for reliever Mason Miller helps offset their bullpen loss. Miller recently threw an immaculate inning against Baltimore. This demonstrates the high-leverage strength they possess.

The Rockies struggle mightily under interim manager Warren Schaeffer. The team has lost eleven of its last thirteen games. They risk matching a modern-era record for losses this season.

The last Padres visit to Denver was explosive. San Diego scored a staggering 37 runs across three games in May. That series included a decisive 21-0 victory.