After sitting out for a few days, Kris Bryant has been placed on the 10-day injury list with a lower back strain. Bryant’s injury is retroactive to April 14, likely a result of his awkward catch against the wall vs. the Blue Jays, meaning Bryant can come back as early as April 24. The Rockies have had some unfortunate luck with injury and illness this week, ultimately resulting in Kyle Freeland pinch-running because of the Rockies thin bench.
Although Bryant’s season has been miserable thus far to say the least, Bryant has shown glimmers of improvement of late and has split time between first base, right field, and designated hitter. In 13 games, Bryant is hitting a paltry .149 with 1 home run and a brutal 18-4 strikeout to walk rate. It’s hard to justify cutting the playing time of a guy who’s being paid $182 million, so Bryant’s injury will open up some opportunities for other players who might see some extra playing time in Bryant’s absence.
4. Elehuris Montero
Montero might not need Bryant’s injury to see an increase in playing time. Montero has been playing more and more regularly of late, showcasing his improved approach at the plate and propensity for hard hit balls. After a swing and miss filled campaign in 2023, he has been a much more difficult player to strike out this season. While the numbers might not be great yet, Montero has passed the eye-test so far in 2024. Because he is defensively limited to first base, Bryant’s injury will open up more time at first and DH for Montero to play every day and cement himself as a Rockies regular for the rest of the year. I will continue to stand by Montero and tell you that the improvement and the tools are there, and if he can continue to put them together, he can be an important piece of this team beyond the 2024 season.
3. Jake Cave
Colorado Rockies v Toronto Blue Jays / Vaughn Ridley/GettyImages
As a veteran on a rebuilding team, it will always be an uphill battle for a veteran fourth outfielder to find consistent playing time. Thus, has been the plight of Jake Cave, as the 31-year-old has started in just two games this year. Cave has found himself in 11 games this season, typically resigned to a pinch runner or defensive replacement duties.
Despite the small sample size, his .273 batting average through 11 at bats is a respectable mark, especially as the Rockies have struggled to find any sense of consistency in their lineup. Cave has proven his ability to provide solid defense, above average speed, and quality at bats. It might not be flashy, but it’s what you ask for from a fourth outfielder. Despite hitting .326, the Phillies opted to sign Whit Merrifield and keep Cristian Pache on the opening day roster, shipping Cave off to his third team in as many years.
A good rental outfield candidate, if Cave makes the most out of his opportunities this year, a contender in need of outfield depth or a team facing an injury situation could come calling for his services. I’ve been pushing to see more of Jake Cave, and if Bryant’s injury entices Bud Black to give him a few extra starts in right field, a good performance can help buy him some more at bats down the road and encourage teams to trade for the veteran outfielder.
2. Sean Bouchard
When Bryant was placed on the Injured List, the corresponding move for the Rockies was to call up 27-year-old Sean Bouchard, so naturally this is an opportunity worth taking advantage of. Spring struggles likely cost Bouchard a chance to make the roster opening day, but Bouchard gets the call with Bryant’s lingering back issue.
Bouchard is yet another first base and corner outfield guy for the Rockies, something they seem to have an abundance of. Bouchard has impressed in two major league stints in 2022 and 2023, hitting a combined .304 with seven home runs across 48 games, a positive sign that he could contribute in his third showcase. He is off to a hot start in Triple-A Albuquerque, hitting .315 in 54 at bats. The Rockies clearly have confidence in him, as he was given the call over top prospects in Jordan Beck and Zac Veen. Bouchard will likely be thrust into the fire and given every opportunity to stick on the big-league club as Bryant’s replacement.
This is the guy I find most interesting to watch in the absence of Kris Bryant. Toglia made the roster out of spring training with his five spring homers and has had sporadic playing time in the beginning of the season. Toglia has continued to show off his power in the early goings, with four of his five hits leaving the yard. Standing at an impressive 6’5, 225 lbs, the power has always been there for Toglia since he was drafted in the first round of the 2019 MLB draft, the question has always been whether or not he could hit enough to be a reliable everyday bat.
The strikeouts continue to plague Toglia, his 15-0 strikeout to walk rate plays into his .132 batting average this season and is a reflection of his 109-19 career trend. Toglia has showcased his ability to play a corner outfield spot on top of first base, adding to his versatility as he is being given an increasing amount of starts in right field.
His ability to switch hit can keep him out of a platoon situation if he proves the ability to maintain his power from both sides of the plate. Toglia is going to get his fair share of at-bats in the coming weeks, and if he can begin to hit for better average and draw a few walks on top of his light-tower power, Toglia could find himself in an everyday role and an organizational building block moving forward.
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