Colorado Rockies: Ryan McMahon or David Dahl on Opening Day roster?

With a roster as deep as the one currently owned by the Colorado Rockies, there will be some hard personnel decisions to make as we get closer to the start of the regular season.

The re-signing of Carlos Gonzalez has shifted many of the thoughts about who might or might not make the Opening Day 25-man roster for the Rockies. With CarGo guaranteed a spot on the roster and likely holding down his familiar spot in right field, Colorado will have some hard decisions to make with some of their younger talent.

That seemingly includes infielder Ryan McMahon, who was thought for much of the spring to be destined for Opening Day first baseman. However, that was when the Rockies had two corner outfield positions to fill. Now, with CarGo back and just left field as somewhat of a question mark, Colorado will likely shift Ian Desmond to first base, the position they originally signed him to play last offseason.

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Where does that leave McMahon? Likely at Triple-A to start the season, despite what has been a very strong spring showing. With Pat Valaika due to be healthy and a part of the Rockies Opening Day roster as the utility infielder, Desmond will likely start the season at first base with Valaika serving as a backup if needed.

This will allow McMahon to gain more experience and know that his versatility (playing first, second or third base) will be a big reason why he could be a quick call-up if the Rockies have a need.

That may not be what Rockies fans want to hear … but it could well be the reality we see when the season begins on March 29 in Arizona.

CarGo’s return will also likely mean that David Dahl starts the season at Triple-A as well. This may be a bit less of a surprise as the 22-year-old can use the time in Albuquerque to gain even more at-bats and work more on his form at the plate and in the field after missing much of the 2017 season thanks to a rib injury.

Dahl and McMahon at Triple-A means that Raimel Tapia and Mike Tauchman will likely be a part of the Opening Day roster, joining forces with Gerardo Parra in left field and spelling CarGo in right when needed. With All-Star Charlie Blackmon holding down center field, the Rockies would have a mix of youth and veterans to round out their Opening Day outfield options.

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Of course, this is all subject to change if the Rockies have an injury that occurs in the late stages of spring training. However, Valaika and Parra seemingly have recovered from their injuries that cost them part of spring and Shawn O’Malley is (as of this writing) the only Rockies position player who will likely miss Opening Day because of injury.