Colorado Rockies: Here’s why Ryan McMahon didn’t start on Thursday

Colorado Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon was out of the starting lineup on Thursday because of what was described as “a very minor groin strain.”

McMahon, who once again has bounced between second and third base this season for the Rockies, was out of the lineup against the Texas Rangers in the series finale between the two teams at Coors Field. In the previous two games of the series, McMahon has gone 2-for-8 with a double but also four strikeouts. He also scored the winning run in Monday’s 3-2 win over the Rangers, dashing home on a wild pitch in the 11th inning.

Here is why Ryan McMahon wasn’t in the Colorado Rockies starting lineup on Thursday.

While McMahon may be dealing with the slight groin strain, it was also said that manager Bud Black was looking for a game to rest McMahon, and Thursday’s matinee against the Rangers provided a good opportunity for that.

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McMahon entered Thursday’s action with 13 homers on the season, tied for fourth in the National League. He also ranks among the National League leaders in total bases (104, tied for seventh), runs scored (36, tied for seventh), extra-base hits (25, tied for sixth), RBI (32, tied for 11th), and go-ahead RBI (10, tied for fourth).

If McMahon does not make a pinch-hitting or defensive appearance in Thursday’s game, it would mark the first game he has missed all season. He has 56 game appearances under his belt this season, tied for the most in the National League. Of those games, he has started 34 at second base and 19 at third.

He has found great success this season at the plate, particularly when he couples that with defensively starting at second base. He leads all primary second baseman in homers and RBI, and is tied for first among second baseman with seven defensive runs saved (DRS). His 11 total DRS are the most in Major League Baseball.

We talked about McMahon’s newfound comfort level at second base in this article.

We will have updated information on McMahon when it becomes available.

UPDATE: The Rockies have said that McMahon’s issue is “left groin tightness,” not a groin strain.