Diamondbacks vs. Rockies Friday MLB probable pitchers, odds, pick: Tyler Gilbert returns to mound for Arizona off most improbable no-hitter

By now everyone likely knows that the only pitcher in MLB history to throw back-to-back no-hitters was Cincinnati's Johnny Vander Meer in 1938. It's probably fair to say that Arizona Diamondbacks rookie Tyler Gilbert will not match that feat Friday night at the Colorado Rockies in his first outing off history. The Rox are solid home favorites at Caesars Sportsbook – which does actually offer a +1800 daily yes-only prop for a no-hitter for all games.

On the short list of most unlikely no-hitters in big-league history, Gilbert's against the San Diego Padres last Saturday has to be either at the top or right near it. The 27-year-old had been a minor-league journeyman after being picked in the sixth round of the 2015 draft by the Phillies. He was eventually traded to the Dodgers and selected by the Diamondbacks from L.A. in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft after last season.

Gilbert hadn't completed more than six innings or thrown more than 93 pitches in the minor leagues this year. He had pitched in three games for Arizona earlier this month, all in relief and totaling 3.2 innings before getting his first start against the Padres – one of the best offensive teams in baseball. Gilbert became the fourth pitcher in baseball history to throw a no-hitter in his first big league start and first since Bobo Holloman in 1953.

According to the Ringer, Gilbert allowed 10 batted balls vs. San Diego above the 95-mph threshold that MLB defines as "hard hit." At the time, it was one of 135 starts this year in which a starting pitcher allowed 10 hard-hit batted balls. In the previous 134, the cumulative batting average against the pitchers was a whopping .495. Obviously, it was .000 vs. Gilbert.

It was the MLB-record-tying eighth no-no this season (set in 1884). Gilbert's three walks were one more than any other pitcher who has thrown a solo no-hitter this year.

Lucky or not, Gilbert owns a 0.00 ERA and 0.55 WHIP in his 12.2 big-league innings. Friday will be his first look at Colorado and pitching in the thin air of Denver.

The Rockies will start lefty Austin Gomber (9-7, 4.09). He was supposed to pitch Wednesday but went on the paternity list. Gomber has been way better at home, going 5-1 with a 1.70 ERA. His lone start against Arizona was in the desert on May 1 and he allowed two earned over six in a victory.  

Colorado leads the season series 7-6 and is 5-1 at home. This writer expects a Rockies win because they have been dominant at home and Arizona is terrible on the road. 

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