Rockies infielder Brendan Rodgers is stepping into the batter’s box at spring training with a new approach. Think less. Blast more.
Rodgers’ relaxation is working with a .389 batting average and a pair of home runs over his first eight games of exhibition play.
“The biggest thing is that I’m trying to not do too much,” Rodgers said. “I put a lot of pressure on myself over the previous years trying to show what I’ve got. I really know what I have. I put some more strength and muscle on this year and I feel really confident in the box.
“Like no one can really get me out.”
Rodgers, the Rockies’ former No. 3 overall selection in the MLB draft, made his big-league debut at age 22 in 2019. Rodgers has struggled with 97 at-bats over 32 games, hitting .196 with zero home runs. He also required right shoulder surgery that ended his rookie year.
However, Rodgers has a newfound opportunity this season with the departure of third baseman Nolan Arenado shaking up Colorado’s everyday infield. Ryan McMahon is expected to replace Arenado at third. It presumably opens the door for Rodgers — who grew up playing shortstop — to take over at second.
“It definitely had its difficulties just switching on the other side of second base,” Rodgers said. “It is a big difference; the footwork, the turns and the feeds. But I’ve gotten a bunch of work in the offseason and previous years. … I’m very comfortable there now.”
Rodgers’ progression is being noticed by teammates and coaches.
“What we’re seeing before our eyes is maturity,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “He’s a guy who has been in a couple of big-league camps now. A guy who is more comfortable rubbing shoulders with (Charlie) Blackmon and (Trevor) Story — and a confidence that he belongs. … He understands that the health component now is a big part of his future moving forward.”
Footnotes. Rockies pitcher Scott Oberg, returning from surgery to prevent blood clots, will make his spring training debut on Friday against the Giants. Black said: “He’s checked off each box of progression.” … Newly acquired southpaw Austin Gomber continues to shine since joining Colorado in the Arenado trade. On Wednesday, Gomber tossed three scoreless innings with five strikeouts against Padres. Gomber has yet to allow a run in spring training in four appearances. Black said that he was most impressed with “the conviction in his pitches and the aggressive upbeat tempo that he shows. He goes after the hitter and I think he sets the tone.”
Cubs 8, Rockies 6
Thursday at Salt River Fields
On the mound: Right-hander Dereck Rodriguez — the son of Hall of Fame catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez — gave up five earned runs, including two homers, over three innings pitched. The Cubs also inflicted damage against righty Chad Smith (two runs) and southpaw Helcris Olivarez (one run).
At the plate: Third baseman Josh Fuentes went 3-for-3 with one run scored. Reserve catcher Dom Nunez belted his first home run of the spring.
Worth noting: Lucas Gilbreath, a southpaw from Broomfield (Legacy HS), was solid through one scoreless inning, allowing one run and striking out two.
Up next:
Rockies (6-4) vs Giants (3-5), 1:10 p.m., Friday, Scottsdale Stadium
Rockies pitchers. RHP German Marquez will start.
