Gonzalez comes off the DL, LeMahieu goes on it

The Colorado Rockies announced on Monday that outfielder Carlos Gonzalez has been reinstated from the 10-Day Disabled List.

While this news was expected and would usually mean that some corresponding roster move would need to be made, it is paired with more bad news for a team that has been mostly healthy but can’t seem to keep its core on the field at the same time.

After needing to be removed from the first game in Miami with right hamstring tightness, second baseman DJ LeMahieu has now been placed on the 10-Day Disabled List, as two longtime members of the organization do-si-do. This move is retroactive to April 28.

Colorado played utility infielder Pat Valaika in LeMahiaue’s stead for the second two games in Miami. There has been much speculation as to what the club might do should the injury need a stint like this, and now we will find out.

With a lefty on the mound for the Chicago Cubs in the first game of the series that starts this evening, Valaika is the most likely candidate to play second.

The team could consider Ryan McMahon for games against righties, though—after playing over 40 games at second base in Triple-A a year ago—he has not played there in any capacity in 2018.

There is no question that LeMahieu is a key member for the Rockies on both offense and defense and that his absence will surely be felt. Colorado will need someone to step up while he is out, or get their other star players in Nolan Arenado and Charlie Blackmon to get hot at the exact same moment.

Gonzalez was placed on the DL on April 22 (retroactive to April 19) with a right hamstring strain. In 20 games so far this season, he has hit .235 (16-for-68) with eight runs, two doubles, one triple, three home runs, 11 RBI, three walks and two stolen bases.

LeMahieu is batting .290 (31-for-107) with 17 runs, eight doubles, five home runs, 12 RBI, 13 walks and three stolen bases in 27 games played. All five homers have come on the road.