Colorado Rockies injury news: Charlie Blackmon out with back spasms

The Colorado Rockies open a three-game series at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night. The Rockies will take the field against the National League West leaders without one of their best hitters, especially at Coors Field.

Charlie Blackmon was not in the starting lineup on Sunday when the Colorado Rockies finished a three-game series at the Cincinnati Reds. He pinch hit in the eighth inning of Colorado’s 3-2 loss. However, Colorado manager Bud Black said that Blackmon’s back “locked up” during his postgame workout routine. With that, he was not in the starting lineup for Monday’s game in Denver.

"“He’s dealing with a back issue,” Black told Rox Pile and other media members in Monday’s media session inside the Rockies dugout. “After the game yesterday, he was going through a workout and his back locked up.”"

Black said Blackmon was dealing with spasms and said, “I think it’s not a big deal.” By “big deal,” Black said he didn’t believe Blackmon would land on the injured list.

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“Fingers crossed,” Black said.

The 33-year-old Blackmon entered Monday’s play with a .319 average with 21 home runs and 62 RBI. Overall, his slash line of .319/.367/.591 helped earn him his third consecutive All-Star appearance.

At Coors Field this season, Blackmon has put together some impressive figures, posting .415/.470/.848 slash line. That .415 average leads the NL in home batting average. He has reached base safely in all but three home games, and has hit safely in all but five.

Since June 10, Blackmon has posted a .349 average since June 10. That’s the second-highest batting average in the National League over that span. He had a seven-game hitting streak snapped on Saturday in Cincinnati and has hit safely in 14 of his past 22 road games.

Blackmon ranks ninth in Major League history with 36 leadoff home runs. That is the third-most among active players. His six leadoff homers this season are the most in the National League and is tied for the second-most in Major League Baseball.