Colorado Rockies: What the Opening Day lineup could look like with Charlie Blackmon

The Colorado Rockies are hoping to have outfielder Charlie Blackmon ready for Opening Day one week from today.

Even though Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon is still on the 10-day injured list due to testing positive for COVID-19, Commissioner Rob Manfred cleared Blackmon to return to Coors Field on Monday. As manager Bud Black said on Thursday to the media, including Rox Pile, it was more of a “procedural” move than anything.

In other words, since Blackmon has recovered well, the Rockies are still planning on having Blackmon in their Opening Day lineup next Friday in Texas against the Rangers.

A few days ago, Rox Pile’s Kevin Henry looked at what the Rockies Opening Day lineup could look like without Blackmon in it so today, we’ll take a look at what the lineup could look like with Blackmon in the lineup.

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They will be facing right-handed pitcher Lance Lynn since the Rangers already announced him as their Opening Day starter. So here’s a possible lineup for the Rockies next week.

1. David Dahl, CF
2. Trevor Story, SS
3. Charlie Blackmon, RF
4. Nolan Arenado, 3B
5. Daniel Murphy, DH
6. Ryan McMahon, 1B
7. Sam Hilliard, LF
8. Garrett Hampson, 2B
9. Tony Wolters, C

The main area that could be a toss-up on the name in the lineup is in left field. Bud Black may decide to give the nod to Raimel Tapia in left field over Hilliard.

Another possible quibble is with Matt Kemp but Black was on MLB Network’s “High Heat” today and he indicated that Matt Kemp will likely be used against left-handed pitching so he likely will not be in the lineup on Opening Day.

If Bud Black decides to go with Blackmon leading off, he and Dahl would likely switch spots or he might have Blackmon lead off, move Murphy to the 3rd spot, and have Dahl hit 5th. Dahl has missed the last couple of intrasquad games but Black indicated on Thursday that Dahl will likely play in the intrasquad game taking place today. Dahl was out due to “core soreness.”

Let us know what you think in the comment section below or on social media.