David Dahl back with Rockies, Bud Black talks “next step” with comedy routine

DENVER – It’s almost become a footnote with how well they’ve started the regular season, but the Colorado Rockies were hammered with bad injury news this spring, losing regular contributors in Ian Desmond, Chad Bettis, Tom Murphy, and, of course, outfield sensation David Dahl.

Dahl’s injury came with the most amount of mystery, eventually called a “stress reaction” in his rib, the club thought he might be able to rejoin his teammates by the start of the season but that date keeps getting further and further away.

But Dahl was back in Denver today and taking some swings for the first time in a while. He appeared in good spirits and will likely go out on a rehab assignment before too long.

Manager Bud Black, who has a penchant for imbuing his press conferences with a bit of humor, answered questions about Dahl’s return as though he was going through a stand-up comedy routine.

“He took some swings today. In baseball terms, ‘dry swings’ … like when you’re a kid and you’re in front of the mirror and take a couple of swings. He’s swung the bat. Which was the big thing. We talked about the rotational restriction that he had. But he took swings. The next step, we’re gonna put that ball on the tee, and then he’s gonna hit that ball off the tee. Then we’re gonna toss him the ball and he’s gonna hit the ball that’s tossed to him. And then a grown man is going to get a ball and throw it. So it’s a progression. But this is a great sign. He’s been able to throw he’s been able to run, the last component was swinging the bat and he’s there. Now it’s just a matter of getting him up to game speed and that will take a little time.”

When Dahl does get back onto an MLB field, it will present even more interesting roster questions for the Rockies who are already facing a tough decision regarding Desmond and Mark Reynolds.

It will be fascinating in a week or two when a team who has been winning primarily with pitching and defense suddenly has more position players than they know what to do with.