took pregame batting practice for the second consecutive day before the Rockies’ rubber match against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, spraying balls all over the yard — and putting a couple in the seats — while also taking groundballs at second base.
LeMahieu said he’s “pretty close” to returning from his injury, a small fracture to a bone in his left thumbthat landed him on the 10-day disabled list May 14.
“The day after (the injury), I was like, ‘This thing’s not going to get better for two months,’ ” LeMahieu said. “Then I went to see the hand doc, and he said to stay off it for a week and it would feel better. That’s what’s happened.”
Ryan McMahon got his second straight start at second base Sunday. LeMahieu wore a small pad under his glove during his defensive work and said he’s still “playing with different stuff” in terms of protection to his thumb in the field and at the plate upon his return.
“I feel better every day,” LeMahieu said. “Taking BP the last couple days felt good, so I’m just trying to do everything I can to be ready as quick as I can.”
After the Rockies’ 8-2 win over the Reds on Sunday, manager Bud Black hinted LeMahieu’s return might come early this week.
“He’s going to do a lot of the same tomorrow, weather permitting,” Black said of Monday’s 5 p.m. game against the San Francisco Giants. “He’s going to hit, take grounders, run the bases. He’s going to have a good hard day practicing baseball. And then maybe there will be some more news for you on Tuesday.”
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