Both hard-throwing starters had their fair share of struggles to start. Hoffman has given up 27 runs (15 earned) in 22 1/3 innings with his strikeouts down (9.4 to 5.2 K/9) and walks up (3.3 to 4.8 BB/9) in the Majors compared to the Minors. Gray gave up 26 runs (25 earned) over 40 2/3 innings.
"I think there are a lot of similarities," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. "You're learning out on the job. Your experiences at the Minor League level are very different than they are here. Those guys, Jon last year and Hoffy this year, are finding that out.