Colorado Rockies: 3 players who have stood out this spring
By Kevin Henry
![SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 27: Mike Tauchman #3 of the Colorado Rockies follows through on a solo home run during the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during a Spring Training game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 27, 2018 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 27: Mike Tauchman #3 of the Colorado Rockies follows through on a solo home run during the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during a Spring Training game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 27, 2018 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Froxpile-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F02-2F925094510-los-angeles-angels-of-anaheim-v-colorado-rockies-jpg-850x560-88573ca0427d3ef4a220826c4ed05a25.jpg)
David Dahl’s slow start
If there is perhaps one player that Colorado Rockies fans have been anxious to see in the spring, it’s David Dahl. After losing last season to a rib injury, Rockies fans are anxious to see if Dahl can duplicate some of the immediate success he found during his rookie debut in 2016.
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So far, it’s been a tough go for Dahl, who is 0-for-13 in five spring training outings. That includes going 0-for-3 in Wednesday’s win over the Diamondbacks where Dahl batted second in the lineup behind Ian Desmond and in front of Blackmon.
There is little doubt that the Rockies are depending on Dahl and other young players to make their mark early in the campaign. The 23-year-old Dahl has the opportunity to grab playing time in left field with Parra out with his injury, but so far, it’s been tough going at the plate.
Perhaps Dahl’s struggles in the spring should not be too much of a surprise. In 45 career spring at-bats, he is hitting just .156. Compare that to the .315 he put up in 222 at-bats during his breakout 2016 campaign when Rockies fans loved what they saw.
Dahl will still have plenty of chances to redeem himself at the plate and get his bat going. However, he is fighting for an Opening Day spot and an extended slump could see him start the season in Triple-A.