TAUCHMAN GETS BIG-LEAGUE CALL
san francisco» Mike Tauchman had reached a crossroads. The 26-year-old outfielder first earned an invitation to the Rockies’ big-league camp during spring training in 2016. He did fine at Triple-A Albuquerque last year, hitting .286 with 24 doubles, seven triples and 51 RBIs.
However, he hit just one home run, even though the organization thought there was more power in Tauchman’s 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame.
“There were things I was doing mechanically, offensively, where I was getting exposed a little bit,” Tauchman said Tuesday after the Rockies called him up from Triple-A before their game against San Francisco. “I went through some growing pains, and I felt like there were some things I needed to improve upon.”
Under the tutelage of Triple-A manager Glenallen Hill, Tauchman worked on his balance and overall approach. Now he is in the majors for the first time.
“I cleaned up my mechanics in my lower half, and that enabled me to use more of my body weight,” he said. “I felt like I was in a really good place going into the offseason, and I kept working.”
He has learned how to drive the ball with more authority and to be more aggressive at the plate.
“I was kind of settling for singles and just looking to get on,” he said. “Now I’ve changed my approach.”
It has worked. In 70 games for the Isotopes this season, he batted .313 with 10 home runs, 50 runs scored, 14 doubles, six triples, 55 RBIs and 11 stolen bases.
Tauchman was originally selected out of Bradley (Peoria, Ill.) in the 10th round of the 2013 draft. He plays all three outfield positions.
Asked if he’s encouraged by Tauchman’s increased home run production, manager Bud Black said: “We hope so. ‘Tauch’ has a good, consistent approach to hitting. He’s fundamentally sound. His approach and his swing should be able to handle big-league pitching. It’s nice to see his power. Will that translate? We’ll see.”
As for Tauchman’s defense, Black said: “His ability to play all three (outfield positions) is a plus for him. That’s something our minor-league development people felt strongly about ‘Tauch” — that he’s a very good defender.”
Dahl update.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Rockies put injured outfielder David Dahl on the 60-day disabled list. Dahl has been out since the second Cactus League game of spring training with a stress reaction injury in his rib cage.
The move to the 60-day DL was a surprise, and Black believes Dahl will play this season for the Rockies during the second half of the season.
“I would say that’s going to happen,” Black said. “It would surprise me if we don’t see him.”
Parra update.
Left fielder Gerardo Parra remains sidelined by a strained right quadriceps, and there is no timetable for his return. He’s running sprints at about 75 percent, taking batting practice and shagging flyballs, but Black said the Rockies don’t want to bring Parra back too soon.
“The trainers assured me that there was some damage from the muscle to the bone, and sometimes that can give you a little bit of false read on how he’s feeling,” Black said. “This is a real injury, so it’s going to take time.”