Don’t count Charlie Blackmon out.
The Rockies’ all-star outfielder has been in the Rockies’ starting lineup on opening day for six consecutive seasons, batting leadoff in each of those games.
But less than a week ago, when he rejoined the team after recovering from the coronavirus, it looked like Blackmon might not be ready for Friday’s opener at the Texas Rangers.
In a short amount of time, however, Blackmon has shown manager Bud Black that he’s close to “game ready,” and with exhibition games against the Rangers on Tuesday and Wednesday, Blackmon will get more at-bats.
“Don’t discount Charlie playing right field on opening night,” Black said Monday, noting that Blackmon played six innings in the field during Sunday night’s intrasquad game at Coors Field. “He got a lot of bats and his legs feel good. … We’re confident about where he is and we’re staying positive about Charlie.”
Black also said that Blackmon might serve as the designated hitter on Friday.
Setting the rotation. Colorado’s rotation vs. the Rangers this weekend is set, with right-hander German Marquez getting the start on Friday, followed by right-hander Jon Gray on Saturday and lefty Kyle Freeland on Sunday. Black did not announce the rest of the rotation, but righty Antonio Senzatela will be the No. 4 starter. He’s scheduled to pitch in an exhibition game against the Rangers on Wednesday, lining him up to pitch at Oakland on July 28.
Black said right-handers Chi Chi Gonzalez and Jeff Hoffman have made the team, but he didn’t announce their roles yet. Flexibility will be key in the early going, so both Gonzalez and Hoffman could pitch out of the bullpen. And with two days off in the first week of the season, the Rockies could go with a four-man rotation for a time.
Oberg update. Although right-hander Scott Oberg pitched an inning of relief Sunday night, his strained back remains a concern and there is a chance he won’t be ready for the opener.
“That’s going to be an 11th-hour decision,” Black said. “His arm feels great but his back is just a little worrisome. We’ll assess that over the next few days.”
Butera’s chance. Tony Wolters is the starting catcher, but who will be his backup? It’s looking more and more likely that it will be veteran Drew Butera, who hit two home runs in intrasquad games at Coors Field.
Butera is competing with Elias Díaz and Dom Nunez for a spot on the 30-man roster, but Butera played first base in the last two games. That versatility, combined with his ability to call games, could give him the edge.
“Drew has really played well, I’m really happy where he is,” Black said. “He worked really hard during the shutdown. He came in here in great shape. The body is, for a guy who’s (36), really moving well. He’s got a great arm, and there’s a presence to Drew.”
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Charlie Blackmon could start in right field for Rockies in Friday’s opener - The Denver Post
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