MIAMI — Garrett Hampson’s role with the Rockies is hard to define.
He’s much more than just a bat off the bench. He’ll get his fair share of starts at second base, particularly when there is an opposing left-hander on the mound — when he’ll replace the left-handed hitting Ryan McMahon. He’ll see time in the outfield, too. And his ability to handle the bat makes him an effective pinch hitter, while his speed makes him dangerous on the bases.
But the qualities that make Hampson a good fit for his current role are attitude and baseball smarts.
“Yeah, it takes some getting used to, but you have to stay focused on the big picture, and that’s winning ballgames,” Hampson said Friday prior to Colorado’s game against the Marlins. “I realize my time is coming, but I understand what’s going on here.
“We have a lot of good players, so there is no way I’m bitter. I’m not freaking out or worrying about anything. I know my time will come.”
Manager Bud Black, clearly a fan, said: “He’s a valuable piece because of the options he gives you. I like his bat coming off the bench, and he can defend, so we have no problem putting him in for a double switch.
“He’s got a good head on his shoulders and he has a good baseball mind.”
Black and Hampson met toward the end of spring training to discuss Hampson’s role.
“We talked about him being ready and his ability to handle it,” Black said. “I think that last year, when he didn’t start a lot of games but was part of our roster, sort of set him up for this. I think he’s equipped to handle it, mentally and physically.”
Hampson appeared in 24 games across three stints last year in his inaugural season, batting .275. He hit safely in eight of his 10 starts, batting .323 (10-for-32) with a .421 on-base percentage.
Silver slugger. Pitcher German Marquez, who started Friday night’s game, is the National League’s reigning Silver Slugger. He batted .300 last year and led all big-league pitchers with 18 hits and a .350 slugging percentage.
Black had some choice words to describe Marquez at the plate.
“He’s a free swinger, he turns it loose,” Black said with a big grin. “He’s got pretty good hand-eye coordination. Some might say he’s a little bit Roberto Clemente-ish in that he’s a bad-ball hitter. He can go down and hit the ball out of the strike zone. He’s a little bit of a slasher.”
Footnotes. Right-hander Antonio Senzatela, still out while he recovers from an infected blister on his right heel, is making progress toward returning, recently throwing a simulated game in Arizona. Lefty Chris Rusin is scheduled to throw a side session Saturday. There is no timetable for their return. … Kyle Freeland made a bit of history on Thursday when he allowed just two hits in the season-opener. The two hits allowed tied Shawn Estes for the fewest hits allowed by a Rockies starter in a quality start on opening day.
Looking ahead
Rockies LHP Tyler Anderson (7-9, 4.55 ERA in 2018) vs. Marlins RHP Pablo Lopez (2-4, 4.14)
4:10 p.m. Saturday, Marlins Park
TV: ATT SportsNet. Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM
When he’s on his game, Anderson effectively mixes his fastball and changeup to give the Rockies six or seven solid innings. His problem has been inconsistency, something on full display during spring training when he was 0-2 with a 7.71 ERA. The left-hander was 0-3 with an 8.20 ERA in his final five road starts last season. Lopez, just 23, is facing Colorado for the first time. After going 2-4 with a 4.14 ERA, his 2018 season was cut short by a shoulder strain in late August.
Trending: As was the case last year, the Rockies open the season with seven consecutive road games. Last year, on a trip through Arizona and San Diego, the Rockies arrived home with a 4-3 record.
At issue: Right fielder Charlie Blackmon went 0-for-5 in Thursday’s season-opener after hitting just .184 (8-for-46) with one home run during spring training. The 2017 National League batting champion is likely going to heat up soon. His career batting average in March/April is .301 and his OPS is .904
Upcoming pitching matchups
Sunday: Rockies RHP Jon Gray (12-9, 5.12) at Marlins RHP Sandy Alcantara (2-3, 3.44), 11:10 a.m., ATTRM
Monday: Rockies RHP Chad Bettis (5-2, 5.01) at Rays TBA, 5:10 p.m., ATTRM
Tuesday: Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (1-0, 2.29 in 2019) at Rays LHP Blake Snell (0-1, 7.50 in 2019), 5:10 p.m., ATTRM
