Rockies' Pat Valaika: Starting on Thursday

Valaika is in the Rockies' lineup Thursday against the Nationals, playing left field and batting seventh.

Analysis:

Gerardo Parra slides over to right field to replace Carlos Gonzalez, who's getting a day off for the afternoon contest, so Valaika earns a start. He's 2-for-6 with two runs scored since his call-up last week.