LeMahieu needs another DL stint

The Colorado Rockies have announced that second baseman DJ LeMahieu will need to go back on the 10-day Disabled List, this time dealing with a thumb issue.

Utility infielder Pat Valaika has been recalled from Triple-A to take LeMahieu’s spot on the roster.

LeMahieu is hitting .279/.350/.457 in 2018, a bit below his career numbers but still solid, especially in a lineup that has struggled. While having LeMahieu is always better for the Rockies than not, they did manage to go on a five-game winning streak during his last DL stint.

Valaika hit .103 (6-for-58) with two runs scored, three doubles, one RBI and five walks in 28 games with the Rockies before being optioned to Triple-A earlier in the season. He started seven games at first base, four games at second base and one game at third base.

Daniel Castro emerged as a more viable option at second base for the Rockies and is likely to see the majority of the playing time while LeMahieu recovers.