Pat Valaika comments on his first start in left field

DENVER — With Ian Desmond‘s imminent return and the Rockies already carrying several backup infielders on the active roster in Alexi Amarista and Christian Adames, manager Bud Black is getting creative with his lineup.

Pat Valaika says he has been asked to work on his defense in the outfield, and today it will be put to the test as he makes his first start in left field.

“These are the things where you’re sort of excited about it. You sort of cross your fingers a little bit because he’s never played it. But you feel good about the player,” said Black.

“But I’m not worried at all about him handling this because he’s a confident player. He has a mental approach to how he plays baseball that this doesn’t worry me.,” Black added.

As a lifelong infielder, Valaika says he can’t remember a time he has been asked to move into left field but welcomes the challenge.

“Pretty much when I got up here they told me to start working on it, get out there,” Valaika said. “So ever since I’ve been up I’ve been out there pretty much every day working on it, trying to get comfortable,”

The move will keep Valaika’s bat in the lineup. Since being recalled from Triple-A on April 18, Valaika has had two hits in six at-bats, both doubles.

“I’m excited just to try to contribute today, try to get us a win,” said Valaika. “If it’s four at-bats or two at-bats or whatever it is, I’m just happy to be out there.”