Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon returns to lineup on Monday

After a one-game absence at the top of the Colorado Rockies batting order, Charlie Blackmon will return to his customary leadoff spot on Monday night when Colorado opens a three-game set against the San Diego Padres in Denver.

Blackmon was listed as the starting center fielder and leadoff man when the Rockies posted their lineup on Monday afternoon at Coors Field. This comes after missing Sunday’s finale against Atlanta after suffering through increasing back tightness during Saturday night’s extra-inning win over the Braves.

Without Blackmon in the lineup, Colorado’s offense struggled on Sunday, piecing together just six hits in a 4-0 loss as the Braves took two of three games in Denver. DJ LeMahieu took over for Blackmon in the leadoff role, going 1-for-4, including a single to start the bottom of the first. However, he was quickly wiped out by a double play ball hit by Chris Iannetta (hitting second for the first time this season). That was a sign of things to come for the Rockies on the day.

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So far this season, Blackmon is batting .278/.366/.667 with a 1.033 OPS and 181 OPS+. He has also drilled four homers while knocking in six and scoring nine runs. Yes, it’s shaping up early to be another year when Chuck Nazty fills up the statistical pages.

Last season, Blackmon earned his second All-Star Game appearance and won his second consecutive Silver Slugger after leading the National League with a .331 average and setting career highs in almost every offensive category. Among them, 387 total bases, 137 runs, 213 hits and 14 triples, all stats that were the best of any Major League hitter.

“I’m glad it cleared up quickly. (Sitting) one game here and there is sometimes a necessity and hopefully that avoids multiple games,” Blackmon told Rox Pile and other media members inside the Rockies clubhouse. “I’d rather not take days off unless I feel like I’m not going to be productive.”

Next: Check out this sweet Charlie Blackmon T-shirt

Blackmon not only teams with Nolan Arenado to make one of the top 1-2 punches in Major League Baseball, but he’s also a fan favorite. Several fans were overheard discussing how they missed hearing his signature walk-up song on a sunny but chilly Sunday.