Colorado Rockies: Nolan Arenado freed and ready to go after suspension

DENVER — After serving a five-game suspension for his actions during last Wednesday’s Colorado Rockies-San Diego Padres brawl, Nolan Arenado is back in the Rockies lineup on Friday.

The Rockies went 3-2 on the road in the absence of their star third baseman. While he wasn’t a part of those games, Arenado did not get cold by any means. He was unable to go to affiliated minor league ball though he found a workaround.

"“I went to extended spring training to face some pitchers and played in some games with those guys,” he told Rox Pile and other media members inside the Rockies clubhouse on Friday afternoon. “They do a great job down there and I appreciate it.”"

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Oddly, Areando celebrated his 27th birthday while in detention, meaning it was the first time he got his birthday off in a decade.

"“The last time I had some time off on my birthday was the last time I was in extended (spring training) which was 10 years ago,” he said. “It was a little weird not playing.“I felt really old, some of those guys were 16 and I had my birthday so I was thinking about it. They had a lot of energy they were bouncy, it was fun.”"

Arenado was in a very light mood prior to the series opener with the Chicago Cubs.

"“They seemed cold in Pittsburgh,” he joked with a smile about the sub-40 game time temperatures and his teammates enduring them. “They did better without me. They did a good job.”"

Arenado was able to watch the games on TV. Something he was not particularly happy about.

"“I was a bit more nervous watching from a far just hoping they’d win I felt guilty not being there,” he said. “I was really happy they took care of business.”"

The Rockies are now 11-9 after their good trip to the East Coast. Their first homestand didn’t go as planed. Arenado will bat fourth as the Rockies have bumped down Charlie Blackmon to the third spot and DJ LeMahieu up to leadoff.

Next: 4 things to look for in the Rockies-Cubs series

Yes, it’s a new lineup for Bud Black as the Rockies kick off their series with the Cubs.