Colorado Rockies: COVID/Injury updates on Bud Black, Antonio Senzatela, Peter Lambert, Chris Owings, others

Colorado Rockies interim manager Mike Redmond updated the media, including Rox Pile, on a slew of injuries with the team.

First off, Redmond is still managing the team for the time being. Manager Bud Black is still in COVID-19 protocols. Redmond said that he has been in touch with Black multiple times per day. He will return to the team soon, per Redmond.

However, Rockies first base coach, Ron Gideon, who was also in COVID-19 protocols, has returned to the team and he will be coaching first base tonight for the Rockies in Los Angeles tonight. While Gideon was out, Rockies MLB data and game planning coordinator and former MLB infielder Doug Bernier filled in for him.

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Redmond also provided updates on a number of other Colorado Rockies.

For the players in the COVID-19 protocols (outfielder Yonathan Daza, relievers Yency Almonte and Jhoulys Chacin and starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela), Redmond said that Senzatela and Chacin are in Arizona where they have resumed baseball activities. Daza and Almonte “will be returning to baseball activities soon,” according to Redmond.

Right-handed pitcher Peter Lambert (Tommy John surgery) threw a 21-pitch simulated game with the team in Los Angeles today and he is feeling well. Lambert has been out since late July of 2020.

Rockies utility man Chris Owings had left thumb surgery that was successful and there’s no timetable on his return. It is his second surgery on that thumb this season.

Rockies relief pitcher Robert Stephenson (back tightness) is working his way back as well. Redmond said that Stephenson is building up arm strength and playing long toss. Stephenson last appeared in a game for the Rockies on June 18 so he will likely need a rehab assignment. Because of that and the other steps he has to take, his return does not seem to be imminent.

Currently, the Rockies have nine players on the injured list, with three of them being on the 60-day IL.