Colorado Rockies: Ian Desmond Excels in Extended Spring Training Game

Since undergoing surgery for a fractured hand in March, Ian Desmond has been taking steps to get back into the Colorado Rockies lineup. He took another big step toward that goal on Friday.

While the Rockies were preparing to take on the Arizona Diamondbacks in a big three-game series at Coors Field, Desmond was playing in game situations at Colorado’s spring training complex. This was Desmond’s first game-like action since being hit by a pitch in a spring training game on March 12.

Desmond didn’t only get back into game action on Friday. He also thrived in his extended spring training action.

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That’s not a bad day. It’s also worth noting that Desmond took more time in the outfield on Friday than he did at first base. Though he was originally signed in the offseason to fill Colorado’s need at first base, Mark Reynolds has been one of Colorado’s early season surprises. Reynolds is currently hitting .317. He is tied for the team lead in homers with seven and has also logged 20 RBI.

We talked in this article about how sitting Reynolds and plugging Desmond into the lineup might not be the best scenario for the Rockies at the moment. With David Dahl still on the shelf with a rib injury and Carlos Gonzalez struggling in April, there are opportunities for Desmond to see time in the Colorado outfield and contribute.

On Monday at Coors Field, Desmond took swings inside the batting cage in batting practice for the first time since his surgery. Several eyes were upon him, including Rockies owner Dick Monfort, general manager Jeff Bridich and manager Bud Black.

Throughout the remainder of the week, Desmond could be seen shagging fly balls in the outfield and taking grounders at the first base.

Next: How Reynolds and Desmond Make Each Other Better at First Base

Black has been teasing for the last few days that Desmond was close to returning to action for the Rockies. Friday was another big step toward that scenario becoming a reality.