Playoffs not likely to faze Jimenez

DENVER -- No one ever said that facing the big guns was going to be easy for Rockies right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez.

Five of Jimenez's last seven starts have been against teams that were contending for the playoffs at the time or, in one case, a top-notch opposing starter. Jimenez has pitched well more often than not, but the results have still been mixed.

Rockies at a glance 2009 record: 92-70 2008 record: 74-88 Clinched NL Wild Card NLDS matchup: Rockies at Phillies Postseason tix: Information WHO ARE THESE GUYS? • Gonzalez: Bat on fire • Bullpen: Hitting stride • Gonzalez: Rewarding Rox • Giambi: Impact beyond bat • Tulowitzki: Ready for return • Cook: Returns right on time • Barmes: Credit to Tracy • Marquis: Living in moment • Ubaldo: Big-game pitcher • Helton/Giambi: Leaders • Stewart: Emerging star • Tracy: Quiet leader • Street: Mutual admiration • De La Rosa: Earning trust • Ubaldo: Sending a message • Helton: Resurgent slugger • Morales: On the attack • Tulowitzki: Vigorous finish More Rockies coverage • Rockies fall to brink of elimination Timely hits in short supply for Rockies Snow could shake up Rockies' plans Winter-like weather forces Game 3 postponement Postponements a postseason tradition Patience to play into Game 3 lineup De La Rosa could return for NLCS Rockies' run coincided with 'pen hitting stride Hammel takes unusual route to playoffs Extra off-day alters both clubs' options Resilient Rockies hold on to win Game 2 Torrealba provides rare gift Injury might be blessing for Cook Rockies put faith in Hammel Phillies can expect chilly reception Seeking spark, Tracy juggles lineup Bats silent against Lee in opener Ubaldo hits wall after fourth inning Rockies, Phillies filling familiar roles Colorado set to Cook up gem in Game 2 Wind makes for wild adventure in Philly Top of lineup is taste of future Beimel expects to draw tough tasks Injured De La Rosa to miss NLDS Rockies learned from run in 2007 Atkins embraces opportunity in NLDS Rockies not to be underestimated De La Rosa to test groin in 'pen session NLDS awaits after loss in finale Rockies fall in LA, finish with Wild Card Surging Rox trim deficit to one Playoff-bound Rox look to build on '07 Rockies clinch playoff spot, eye division Wild Card magic number trimmed to one Iannetta's walk-off homer lifts Rox Barmes' fantastic catch in question Rockies know focus can't diminish Rockies take rubber game from Cards Loss to Cards trims Wild Card lead Torrealba's sac fly gives Rox big win Gonzalez returns to Rockies' lineup Rox drop chance to extend lead Cook returns in heat of race

Jimenez is 2-3 in those five contests with a 4.26 ERA. But Jimenez has given up more than three runs in just one of them and lasted at least seven innings in all but one.

Now Jimenez faces the Dodgers in the opener of a three-game series to end the regular season. The Rockies punched their playoff ticket with Thursday's 9-2 victory over the Brewers. But they can overtake the Dodgers and win the National League West title by sweeping this weekend's series.

It's a good test for Jimenez. The game is important, but not crucial. Last time the Rockies were in the playoffs, they were a Wild Card. All they did was sweep the NL Division and Championship Series. No matter the result, Jimenez will loom big for the Rockies in the playoffs. It's possible that manager Jim Tracy will give him the start in the team's first playoff game.

Here is a look at how Jimenez has done in his big recent starts:

• Aug. 23 vs. Giants: Jimenez stared down the Giants and Cy Young candidate Tim Lincecum, and pitched the Rockies to a 4-2 victory. Jimenez struck out nine in eight innings.

• Aug. 28 at Giants: Once again, it was Jimenez vs. Lincecum. Jimenez held the Giants to two runs in seven innings. But he was in a no-win situation. Lincecum went eight scoreless innings and the Giants won, 2-0.

• Sept. 15 at Giants: This time, Jimenez turned in his worst start of the season. He was gone after 2 2/3 innings, during which he gave up seven runs (six earned). Interestingly, it could have turned out much better had Garrett Atkins not committed an error on a possible double-play grounder, which would have kept the first inning scoreless. The Giants won, 10-2.

• Sept. 20 at D-backs: Jimenez was facing a star on a struggling team, right-hander Dan Haren. As is often the case, Jimenez struggled early, giving up an RBI single to Haren in the second. But Jimenez struck out Justin Upton with the bases loaded to end the inning, and he held the D-backs to one run in seven innings of a 5-1 victory.

• Sept. 26 vs. Cardinals: Jimenez battled with Adam Wainwright. Jimenez put himself in trouble by giving up three first-inning runs, on two hits and two walks. Jimenez went seven innings and gave up four runs in a 6-3 loss.