Rockies Knock Off Oakland, Fall To D-Backs

SCOTTSDALE — Manager Bud Black moved Kris Bryant from right field to first base late last season after Bryant returned from injuries. Heading into camp, Bryant seemed entrenched at first, but Black now says that Bryant could play first base or right field, as well as fill as the designated hitter this season. It all depends on how the 26-man roster shakes out.

The Rockies have several young players competing for playing time at first base and right field. Elehuris Montero can play first, Michael Toglia and Hunter Goodman can man first and right field, and Sean Bouchard is the likely starter in right.

Also, veteran Charlie Blackmon will be the primary designated hitter and will start in right field on occasion. Black believes Bryant will produce no matter his role.

“I don’t worry about KB,” Black said. “The thing I know about KB is he has a lot of pride. KB is filled with that. He’s a pro with great talent and he’s built the right way.”

On the field, the Rockies split — losing against Arizona, but claiming a win vs. Oakland.

Postgame Notes Vs. Arizona

Final Score: Arizona 6, Colorado 2                                       

Winning Pitcher: Ryne Nelson (1-0)                                    

Losing Pitcher: Noah Davis (0-1)                                          

Save: None                                                                                

Attendance: 11,011                                                                

Time: 2:20                                                                                

  • RHP Noah Davis struck out three and allowed one run on three hits in two innings of work in his first start of Spring.

  • Charlie Blackmon went 1-for-2 as the DH from the leadoff spot in his first Spring game as he enters his 14th Major League season.

  • OF Yanquiel Fernández, in Major League Camp for the first time, hit a 419-foot home run to right field in his first at-bat of the Cactus League slate … the 21-year-old native of Havana, Cuba enters the season ranked as the 72nd overall prospect in baseball per MLB Pipeline.

Post Game Notes vs. Oakland    

Final Score: Colorado 5, Oakland 1

Winning Pitcher: Jake Bird (1-0)

Losing Pitcher:  Danis Correa (0-1)

Save: None

Attendance: 5,253

Time: 2:16

  • Making his Spring debut, starting pitcher Peter Lambert allowed no hits and walked two over two scoreless frames.

  • Relievers Nick Mears, Jake Bird, Victor Vodnik, Matt Carasiti and Minor League call-up Austin Kitchen each tossed a scoreless inning of relief.

  • RF Michael Toglia hit his first home run of Spring, taking a 2-2 pitch over the right field wall.

  • Julio Carreras, Jameson Hannah, Jimmy Herron, Connor Kaiser and Aaron Schunk each recorded a stolen base for Colorado … Herron recorded two of the Rockies’ five hits, including two RBI.

Tracy RingolsbyComment