DENVER -- How are the Rockies looking after 35 games? In this edition of the Inbox, we have answers to those questions, literally and figuratively.

I'm curious about the missing black jerseys. Is it a case of superstition or players not liking them?
-- David K., Colorado

You read my mind. A few years back, the jersey was quietly taken out of circulation. Then former manager Walt Weiss, recalling that the team wore it superstitiously during its 2007 World Series run, encouraged its use. Over the weekend, I spent some time looking into the issue.

The jersey decision goes to the starting pitcher with a few restrictions: The white pinstriped uniform is worn only at home, the gray jersey only on the road. If the Rockies are on the road and the opponent’s jersey is dark, Colorado may be asked not to use their dark jerseys, too.

The Rockies have worn it just once this year, vs. the Rays in Tampa Bay. The pitcher who chose it, righty Chad Bettis, has since become a reliever, so the choice is no longer his.

“You have to make a push for it, but I don’t know who it’s going to be,” Bettis said. “I love it.”

Starters German Márquez and Jon Gray say they like the look but not the fit or the feel.

“It fits really big -- a baggy fit, even though it’s the same size as our other jerseys, and that’s the reason I don’t wear it,” Gray said. “I feel like it’s coming out of my pants and I have a muffin top.”

Marquez said he tried it, but, “It felt too light. I wanted to feel something on my arm. I like it, but that’s the reason. I feel weird.”

Then he stopped to think: “Maybe I will try it next time.”

At what point does Raimel Tapia replace Ian Desmond in center field, even vs. lefties? Not to discount the defense Desmond brings, but Tapia brings both credible defense and much better offense. Or is Desmond's salary really the only reason he stays a starter?
-- Bill S., Denver

To begin, if Ian Desmond is not in center, it’s David Dahl with Raimel Tapia in left. As manager Bud Black recently explained: "[Dahl] has the ability to take the command of the field ... to go to his left, to his right, to be in communication with the other outfielders."

Tapia has started 11 of his past 17 appearances. Over roughly the same period, Desmond has started 10 of his past 16 games. It’s a way to maximize two players and keep Tapia in good matchups. For example, in Atlanta, righty Kevin Gausman had strong numbers against righty hitters, so Desmond started and had a solid game -- and Tapia contributed off the bench.

Seunghwan Oh has been really inconsistent this season, struggling more often than not. I recall reading that he considered going back home to Korea earlier this year. Any chance the Rockies let him go and try someone like Jairo Diaz, who has pitched really well at Triple-A so far this season?
-- Monica

I have been asking about Seunghwan Oh, and Black has noted that while the numbers aren’t great and homers certainly have to come down, he generally has thrown well. Black often notes that he’s not just looking at results but pitch action and how at-bats are controlled, and he sees a lot of good signs out of Oh.

On a separate note, it’s nice seeing success from Jairo Díaz, who is 1-0 with four saves and a 0.56 ERA in 12 Triple-A games. It has been a long road back for Diaz, who last appeared with the Rockies in 2017. Beyond an elbow injury, Diaz was away with his wife, Dubraska, who had a long battle against cancer that eventually took her life. The Diazes also have a young child.

Often it’s hard to judge based in Triple-A stats, but 16 strikeouts against four walks is a good sign for Diaz.