B-Rod is back.

The Rockies reinstated Brendan Rodgers from the 60-day injured list, clearing the way for the second baseman’s 2023 debut on Monday in the series opener against the Padres at Coors Field. Rodgers is in the lineup as the designated hitter, batting fifth.

Rodgers injured his left shoulder diving for a ball during a Cactus League game on March 6, and what was initially deemed a dislocated shoulder actually turned out to be a torn labrum. Rodgers needed surgery as a result, but worked hard to rehabilitate himself to come back ahead of schedule.

“It’s been a long road, but it feels like it’s all worth it in the end,” Rodgers said. “My body feels amazing right now… I’ve checked off every box in my book to go out and play a big-league game. Hopefully I’ll be out there (Tuesday) on defense.”

Rodgers, who won a National League Gold Glove Award for his play at second base last year, is eager to get back in the field. He hasn’t dove for a ball yet, and admits that the possibility of re-injuring his shoulder on a sprawling play is in the back of his mind. But that’s not going to change his intensity on defense, though he won’t be sliding headfirst on the bases anymore.

“I’ve been wanting to put this (gold patch on my glove) to use out there, and it’s been put on hold a little bit, but I’m looking forward to getting back out there and making plays just like I did last year,” Rodgers said. “Instincts are going to tell me whether or not (to dive), and I’m just going to trust it…. And I’ve also worked a lot on expanding my range and really staying on my feet.”

The 26-year-old played 10 minor league games as part of his rehab assignment, five with High-A Spokane and five with Triple-A Albuquerque. With the Isotopes, Rodgers hit .350 in 20 at-bats, with one homer. During the rehab process, the 2015 No. 3 overall pick also traveled with the team on a few road trips.

“That was huge for me, just to take my mind off being out,” Rodgers said.

The Rockies hoped to have Rodgers back for the start of their road trip in St. Louis on Aug. 4, so the infielder arrived in LoDo earlier than expected. Colorado’s trade on Sunday played into that, as the Rockies dealing C.J. Cron and Randal Grichuk for a pair of starting pitching prospects opened up roster spots for Rodgers and utility Coco Montes, who was recalled from Triple-A.

“If Brendan plays like he’s capable, we’re getting an everyday major league player,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “Last year wasn’t the year he’s capable of offensively (with a .266 average), so hopefully he comes into our lineup and starts banging the ball to help us.”

Colorado now has 38 players on its 40-man roster.

Chuck Nazty update. Charlie Blackmon took batting practice on the field ahead of Monday’s game as he continues to work his way back from a right hand fracture suffered after he was hit by a pitch on June 3.

The plan is for the veteran outfielder to play a stint with Triple-A Albuquerque before re-joining the big-league club, possibly as soon as the Rockies’ series opener in St. Louis on Friday.

“It kind of depends on how things go,” Blackmon said.

Blackmon, 37, is in the final year of his contract. He’s hitting .265 with five homers in 56 games.

Tuesday’s pitching matchup

Padres TBA at Rockies RHP Peter Lambert (2-1, 4.76), 6:40 p.m., ATTRM

6:40 p.m. Tuesday, Coors Field

TV: AT&T SportsNet

Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM

While San Diego has yet to name its starter, Lambert is on a heater. The righty has thrown 14 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run. That included two impressive starts since he returned to the rotation: five shutout innings in Miami on July 21, then six shutout innings in Washington last Wednesday. If Lambo keeps mowing like this, he’s going to put himself in prime position to all but lock up a rotational spot as pitching-needy Colorado heads into the offseason. But Tuesday is a big step, as he needs to keep his momentum going at home, where he has a 7.21 ERA in 13 career starts.

Pitching probables

Wednesday: Padres RHP Joe Musgrove (10-3, 3.05) at Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (4-11, 4.79), 1:10 p.m., ATTRM
Thursday: Off day
Friday: Rockies TBA at Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright (3-5, 7.18), 6:15 p.m., ATTRM

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