Black turns to rotation in center field

SAN DIEGO» A week after all-star outfielder David Dahl went down with a high ankle sprain, the Rockies are still tinkering with the plan on how to fill his absence.

The day after Dahl’s injury, Colorado manager Bud Black said a rotation of Yonathan Daza, Garrett Hampson and Raimel Tapia would fill the void. It has truly been a rotation in center field with each of three getting two starts in the six games since Dahl’s injury, including Tapia’s start Friday in San Diego.

Daza came through with the first multi-hit game of his short career Thursday night, going 2for-4 to raise his average to .179.

“We’re going to look at matchups. It’s an opportunity for Daza to get acclimated it looks like for a period of time in the big leagues and get comfortable,” Black said of the 25-year-old outfielder with 28 big league at-bats. “This is all an education for him and each and every day he’s here is a great education, whether he plays or not.”

Part of the education, Black says, is learning how to be ready when you’re not an everyday player.

“It’s a transition for these guys,” Black said. “They’re so used to playing every day in the minor leagues. It’s something we talk about and they comment on how it’s harder for them to not play every day. By not playing every day, they become adjusted and that’s part of it.”

Tapia said the transition and preparation has taken some time to get used to, but he believes he has found a rhythm.

“I come in every day and do my routine as if I am starting,” Tapia said through an interpreter. “I take my time in the cage and be ready if I go in later in the game. At first, it was a little difficult because I wasn’t used to it, but now I’m adjusted and I do what I need to do to be ready.”

Black said preparation is a key to success, both individually and situationally as a team.

“In a National League game, there are going to be contributions off the bench,” Black said.

Going deep in San Diego.

Of Colorado’s active position players, Yonder Alonso leads the team with 13 career homers at Petco Park (in 724 at-bats, including four seasons with the Padres from 2012-2015). The only other active Rockies with double-digit homers at Petco are Charlie Blackmon (12 in 237 at-bats) and Nolan Arenado (10 in 197 at-bats).

Milestone for Shaw.

Colorado reliever Bryan Shaw recorded his 500th career strikeout Thursday night, getting Fernando Tatis Jr. to swing through a 2-2 pitch in the eighth.

Despite the milestone, strikeouts have been at a premium for the 31-year-old right-hander this season. His 7.4 strikeouts per nine innings pitched is his lowest mark since 2012.