The Rockies are platooning the corner outfield spots, with veterans Carlos Gonzalez and Gerardo Parra sharing time with David Dahl and Noel Cuevas, both recently promoted from Triple-A Albuquerque. Amid a four-game suspension for Parra and a 10-day disabled list stint for Gonzalez — manager Bud Black has used eight different outfield combinations.
And with Black deciding those combinations each day based off pitching matchups, rest factors and who’s bat is hottest, that likely means a continued diminished role for Gonzalez, who was signed during spring training on a one-year, $8 million contract.
Gonzalez is hitting .226 with three home runs and 12 RBIs and has only started four of the nine games since his return from the disabled list April 30.
Meanwhile, Parra (.250) is also off to a slow offensive start, while Dahl (.300 in 50 at-bats) and Cuevas (.345 in 29) are doing their part, albeit in small sample sizes thus far, to warrant continued opportunities. —
Rockies’ outfield rotation since April 22
4/22 vs Cubs — Dahl left, Blackmon center, Cuevas right
4/23 vs Padres — Ian Desmond left, Blackmon center, Dahl right
4/24 vs Padres — Dahl left, Blackmon center, Cuevas right
4/25 vs Padres — Desmond left, Blackmon center, Dahl right
4/27 at Marlins — Parra left, Blackmon center, Dahl right
4/28 at Marlins — Parra left, Blackmon center, Cuevas right
4/29 at Marlins — Dahl left, Blackmon center, Cuevas right
4/30 at Cubs — Parra left, Blackmon center, Cuevas right
5/1 at Cubs — Dahl left, Blackmon center, Gonzalez right
5/2 at Cubs — Parra left, Blackmon center, Dahl right
5/4 at Mets — Parra left, Blackmon center, Gonzalez right
5/5 at Mets — Cuevas left, Blackmon center, Gonzalez right
5/6 at Mets — Parra left, Blackmon center, Dahl right
5/8 vs Angels — Parra left, Blackmon center, Cuevas right
5/9 vs Angels — Dahl left, Blackmon center, Gonzalez right
5/10 vs Brewers — Parra left, Blackmon center, Dahl right
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What’s on tap?
- Milwaukee Brewers, 6:40 p.m. Friday, ATTRM
- Milwaukee Brewers, 6:10 p.m. Saturday, ATTRM
- Milwaukee Brewers, 1:10 p.m. Sunday, ATTRM
- At San Diego Padres, 8:10 p.m. Monday, ATTRM
- At San Diego Padres, 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, ATTRM
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scores, Stats and Standings
Must-Read
Kiszla: Batting .176, booed at home, Ian Desmond might be most unpopular player in Denver since Kyle Orton
Nobody wearing a Rockies uniform gets booed at Coors Field, the most forgiving ballpark in the major leagues. But Ian Desmond accomplished the feat not once, but three times, while being a total zero with the bat during a shutout loss to the Los Angeles Angels. Read more…
Craftsman of control Chad Bettis, the Rockies’ ace to date, leverages fascination with spin rate into a devastating changeup
As the ace of the Rockies’ rotation so far this year, right-hander Chad Bettis has been a craftsman of control, keeping hitters off balance to the tune of a 4-1 record and 2.05 ERA thanks in part to a devastating changeup. Read more…
How New York (and his family roots) helped shape Adam Ottavino
Public School 39, also known as the Henry Bristow School, sits on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Eighth Street in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn. The distinctive brick building, with its classic mansard roof, opened in 1877, making it the oldest public school in New York. Read more…
Can Noel Cuevas be the dark horse offensive catalyst the Rockies need?
After eight-plus seasons in the minors, Noel Cuevas is intent on making the most of his first big-league opportunity — even if that means establishing himself as a dependable role player before he can see regular time in the crowded Rockies outfield. Read more…
Quick Hits
+Rockies farm update: Jeff Hoffman progressing in Triple-A, Brendan Rodgers on a tear in Double-A
+ Saunders vs. Kiz: Has Chad Bettis or Adam Ottavino been the happier early season surprise for the Rockies?
+Opposing pitchers continue make someone not named Charlie Blackmon or Nolan Arenado beat them
+Jon Gray’s been fiddling with his slider. Itap working.
+Bud Black’s impact on Rockies’ starting rotation is becoming more clear
+Nolan Arenado had a blast in the Big Apple
+Saunders: Looking beyond the numbers gave me a real measure of Rockies Adam Ottavino
+Chris Rusin’s return from DL should shore up middle of Rockies’ bullpen
+Former Rockie Ellis Burks: Where is he now?
+Slugging Rockies know they can’t win on homers alone
+Rockies name “Honorary Bat Girl” for Mother’s Day game on Sunday against Milwaukee
+Arizona Diamondbacks get green light to leave Chase Field for new digs as early as 2022
+Ominous first inning, quiet bats lead to Rockies’ series-opening loss to Brewers
+ Want to chat about the Rockies? .
By The Numbers
1,387
That’s the average spin rate (revolutions per minute) of Chad Bettis’ changeup this season — the third lowest changeup spin rate among the 56 MLB pitchers who have thrown at least 100 changeups this season.
Parting Shot
Tim Tebow vs. the Rockies’ Double-A Hartford Yard Goats
Tebowmania collided with the Colorado Rockies’ Double-A affiliate, as Tim Tebow and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies wrapped up a three-game series against the Hartford Yard Goats on Wednesday. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
