Blackmon doesn’t relish DH role
Charlie Blackmon said it’s unrealistic to play in 20 consecutive games as scheduled in this shortened Rockies season.
With some needed rest Saturday night in Los Angeles, he was granted two options: Sit out against the Dodgers or join Colorado’s lineup as a designated hitter.
“I chose to DH in that situation,” Blackmon told reporters pregame on a video conference call. “I think it’s a good thing that we have that for this year. But I don’t know about going forward.”
The National League adopted the use of a DH for the first time in MLB history this year (the AL has had it since 1973). Major League
Baseball is also considering the use of a universal DH in 2021, according to multiple reports. Don’t count Blackmon among those excited if it happens. In three prior games as DH this year, his batting average is .167 over 12 plate appearances.
“It’s something of a necessary evil for this year,” Blackmon said. “I don’t really like DH-ing. … I’m ready to hit when I DH, I just don’t feel like I’m as much a part of the game, or I don’t have as sharp of a feel for the game, because I’m not playing a position as well.”
The Rockies have tinkered with their approach to a designated hitter all season with outfielders Matt Kemp and Raimel Tapia featured at DH most often (43 combined games). Tapia leads all Rockies with 15 hits in the role.
But expect more of a DH-by-committee approach throughout the year.
“We’ve bounced the DH around a little bit this year between a number of guys,” Colorado manager Bud Black said. “We felt it was good to get Charlie off his feet, give him a (rest) from playing right field. Hopefully, that will keep him physically in a good spot. As far as moving forward, I can see the DH becoming a part of the National League. We’ve been hearing that for a number of years now.”
Blackmon entered Saturday’s game with a career .309 average against the Dodgers while hitting safely against LA in 11 consecutive games. End the slide. Colorado (13-13) entered Saturday night’s game in Los Angeles on a five-game losing streak, its longest of the season, with the Dodgers’ stranglehold on the NL West tightening at 20-8.
“Getting any win anytime is a good one, but where we are right now, a win would be great,” Black said. “Then win again (Sunday) and then win the next one. Keep winning. … Usually, there is a momentum that can occur once you get off a losing streak. Hopefully, that starts tonight.”
Added Blackmon: “We’re going to be just fine. I think we’ll turn it around and play really good baseball for a good portion of the rest of the season.”