SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Wilin Rosario was doing grunt work Saturday morning, digging curveballs out the dirt as they were fired out of a pitching machine. He was perfectly happy with his sweaty duty.
“In my heart, I know I’m still a catcher,” Rosario said.
But that role will be reduced this season, the result of the Rockies signing free-agent catcher Nick Hundley to a two-year deal. Hundley, known for his ability to work with pitchers, is expected to be the No. 1 catcher. If Rosario wants to get more playing time, he’s going to have to prove himself as a backup first baseman.
“I want to learn, and I want get time to play and practice,” Rosario said. “I feel like I can play first, I can catch, and maybe I can play the outfield, too. It gives me more opportunities to get (at-bats).”
Rosario worked hard at his first-base skills at the Rockies’ complex in the Dominican Republic and also spent a week during the offseason at Salt River Fields taking a crash course in the position.
“The coaches have told me that I have done a pretty good job,” Rosario said. “I have improved. I feel excited to hear that.”
