Rockies manager Bud Black announced Wednesday that he has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him with the club through 2024.
“Before anybody asks me about, ‘Hey, this is the last year of the contract,’ we can put that to rest. I signed an extension,” Black said as the Rockies pitchers and catchers held their first official workout of spring training in Scottsdale, Ariz. Black said that he had a conversation with owner Dick Monfort and general manager Bill Schmidt a few weeks ago and they agreed to the extension.
“This is just like we did last year,” Black said.
He ranks third in franchise history in both games managed and wins, trailing Clint Hurdle (1,159 games, 534-625) and Don Baylor (909 games, 440-469). If Black manages through 2024, he will have managed the most games in franchise history.
Injury report: Right-hander Peter Lambert, whom the Rockies hope can provide rotation depth this season, is expected to be a full participant in spring training, but Black told reporters Wednesday that the club will keep a close watch on Lambert as he comes back from lingering elbow issues. The right-hander had Tommy John surgery in 2020 and has thrown just two big-league games and 11 minor-league games since then. Lambert’s time in the Arizona Fall League was cut short because of forearm soreness.
Right-hander Antonio Senzatela, returning from surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee in August, remains on track to join the rotation by mid-May. Senzatela told MLB.com that he’s about two weeks away from throwing his first bullpen session.
Lefty Ryan Rolison, who had surgery on his labrum last summer, remains about a month away from pitching again. There is no timetable on when he might help Colorado’s rotation or begin pitching in the minors.
Prospect watch: With veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk expected to miss the beginning of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a sports hernia, the door is open wider for young players such as top prospect Zac Veen, along with Sean Bouchard, Nolan Jones and Michael Toglia, to make a statement during camp.
Quote of note: “This was possibly my only shot at being able to do this and it’s something I really wanted. It’s something I’m very passionate about. This has been on my mind for a long time and I’ve been preparing my mind and my body this winter so I can be prepared.” — Left-hander Kyle Freeland on being added to the Team USA roster for the World Baseball Classic.
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