Colorado Rockies activate Ian Desmond

DENVER – Colorado Rockies’ shortstop turned center fielder turned left fielder turned first baseman turned shortstop (maybe) Ian Desmond has been activated off the 10-day disabled list after missing more than a month with a calf strain. The Rockies’ star offseason acquisition has spent time on the shelf on three separate occasions this year, amounting to just 65 games of action in the big leagues.

The last few nights Desmond has rehabbed with Triple-A Albuquerque, where he has played left field, first base and shortstop. He had three hits in his nine at bats, including a homer.

Desmond, who came up as a shortstop with the Nationals, played the position primarily for seven years before moving to Texas for one season where he played center field. The Rockies signed him to play first base, which he had done 15 times. Mostly playing left when he’s been healthy, many are getting the feeling Desmond will play a bit at shortstop too with Trevor Story’s bat having an up and, too much of late, down season. Story is having a Gold Glove type season this year at the six but his bat has been enough of a problem at times where the Rockies are not seriously considering moving Desmond back to short despite being a tick below the league average at the position.

In 2017, Desmond is hitting .268/.316/.425 with five homers, 32 RBI and 10 stolen bases.

The corresponding move was to option outfielder Raimel Tapia to Triple-A.