Charlie Blackmon activated from IL, back in Rockies lineup

Charlie Blackmon was activated from the injured list Monday and inserted into the Rockies’ lineup, batting leadoff as designated hitter in the series-opener against the Diamondbacks.

Blackmon missed 53 games after being placed on the IL June 10 with a fractured right hand. He played two games with Triple-A Albuquerque on a rehab assignment last week then rejoined the Rockies for the start of their homestand.

Asked what felt different during the rehab assignment, Blackmon said, “I was able to play baseball. I played a couple games, and I can play. … I feel good.”

Not knowing whether he would be in the outfield or DH-ing when he spoke to reporters pregame Monday, Blackmon said he would like to get back in the field. But returning to health has been a one-step-at-a-time process. He played outfield in his first rehab game then went to DH in the second game. “Being able to up the intensity and then not get sore the next day” was the sign Blackmon needed that he felt ready to return to the big leagues.

“Charlie’s a quick rehabber,” manager Bud Black said.

Cole Tucker was designated for assignment in the Rockies’ corresponding roster move Monday. Tucker is 3 for 8 in three games played this season.

Outfielder Jurickson Profar, who sustained a left knee injury Sunday in Los Angeles, was not in the lineup vs. Arizona, but his injury isn’t expected to be serious. He suffered it while making an outstanding catch on a Mookie Betts deep drive in the second inning at Dodger Stadium. Black told reporters at the time that Profar would undergo an MRI, but he said Monday that Profar didn’t end up needing one. It was diagnosed as a sore knee.

“Old-school, what managers use to say in the ’80s and ’70s,” Black said. “‘How’s Profar?’ ‘He’s sore, he’ll be OK.’”

Blackmon’s return does have fortuitous timing. He adds stability to a young lineup that struck out 49 times and only walked twice over the course of a four-game sweep at the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“I do think there’s an osmosis that rubs off,” Black said, hoping the developing Rockies will pay close attention to Blackmon’s hitting approach.

Black also said Kris Bryant had another X-ray done Monday, which showed Bryant’s finger is healing but still fractured. “He’s going to remain in the splint for a couple more weeks,” Black said, but he assured Bryant will “definitely” play again this season.

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