Colorado Rockies: David Dahl’s return in 2017 in doubt?

If you’re looking for the Colorado Rockies to get David Dahl back on the Major League roster any time soon, Colorado manager Bud Black warned that that might not be the case any time in the near future … if at all this season.

In his pregame media session prior to the Rockies taking on the San Diego Padres in the start of a three-game series at Coors Field, Black was asked about Dahl’s progress. His answer was blunt.

"“This fella has to get at-bats,” Black told Rox Pile and other media outlets. “He has 15 or 20 at-bats. That’s not very many. He’s going to stay down there (Triple-A) for a while and get some at-bats to get ready. We’ll see if there’s a return to the big leagues or not. This fella has to go down there and hit and play well.”"

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Black’s comment on “if there’s a return to the big leagues or not,” would indicate that there is indeed no guarantee that Dahl will return to the Rockies in 2017.

The Colorado manager also mentioned in passing just how long it’s been since Dahl has taken the field for the Rockies. Remember, he missed the majority of spring training and hasn’t seen the major league field yet this season because of a rib injury suffered in early March.

"“He hasn’t played all season but he’s talented. I haven’t seen him play except on video but he’s a good player,” Black said. “He has to play and get his at-bats. That’s the plan.”"

There is no hard or magical at-bat number Dahl has to reach in order to be declared ready to return to the Rockies, Black said.

Heading into Monday’s action, Dahl had played in two games for Class A Lancaster, going 3-for-7 there before earning a trip to Triple-A Albuquerque. With the Isotopes, Dahl has posted a 3-for-10 mark.

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Last season, Dahl posted a .315 average with seven homers and 24 RBI in 222 at-bats covering 63 games following a late July call-up. He was expected to be a big contributor to the Rockies offense this season before suffering the rib injury.