In the wake of Brendan Rodgers’ likely season-ending shoulder injury, the Rockies are looking for a starting second baseman. They didn’t have to look very far.
Third baseman Ryan McMahon, who’s shined at second in the past, is an attractive option. In fact, he played second for the first time this spring in Colorado’s Cactus League game against the Giants on Friday.
Manager Bud Black and McMahon talked Thursday about the transition and McMahon, a two-time Gold Glove finalist at the hot corner, is more than willing to make the switch.
” ‘Mac’ is a very competent infielder, as good at second as he is at third — some might say even better at second,” Black told reporters Friday in Scottsdale, Ariz. “But he’s a really good infielder.
“I talked (to him) personally about second base, and he was all in. He understands what team means. And for me, it’s been cool to watch that develop from (Ryan), now that he’s established himself as a major league player. He’s grounded, he’s confident, he’s a Rockie and he’s gonna do whatever is best for the team.”
Rookie Elehuris Montero, part of the Nolan Arenado trade in 2021, started at third on Friday. He displayed power last year in his debut season (six homers in 185 plate appearances), but must be a more consistent hitter and make major strides defensively to become the everyday third baseman.
Left-handed hitting Nolan Jones, acquired from Cleveland in an offseason trade, is another option. He played a lot of third base in the minors.
Position battles: With Lucas Gilbreath likely lost for the season with an elbow injury the Rockies need another lefty in the bullpen. Could it be Regis Jesuit graduate Ty Blach? The non-roster invitee pitched two scoreless innings Friday and has allowed no runs and just two hits over his 5 1/3 innings.
Giants 3, Rockies 2
Friday at Scottsdale Stadium
On the mound: Right-hander Peter Lambert, competing for a spot in the back of the rotation, was not as sharp in his second spring start. Lambert allowed a homer and walked three in three innings.
At the plate: Catcher Elias Diaz is raking. He went 2-for-2 with a double and an RBI. He’s hitting .600 (6-for-10) this spring.
Up next: Rockies (3-4) at Mariniers (4-4), 1:10 p.m. Saturday, Peoria Sports Complex.
Rockies probable pitchers: LHP Kyle Freeland, RHP German Marquez, RHP Daniel Bard, RHP Dinelson Lamet, RHP Blair Calvo.
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