Welker knocking on big league door

Rockies 3B says he’s ‘ready right now’ to join team

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Asked if he believes he’s ready for the major leagues, Colton Welker didn’t hesitate.

“I feel ready right now, to be honest with you,” the Rockies’ infield prospect said. “I feel like my confidence is there. My work ethic is there and I think I can perform at that level.

“Spring training, obviously, isn’t the major leagues. And it isn’t a major league season compared to who you’re facing and stuf f like that. But I feel confident pretty much against anyone right now.”

While Rockies manager Bud Black isn’t ready to anoint Welker a big-leaguer just yet, he also didn’t rule out the possibility that Welker could break camp with the Rockies. Welker is primarily a third baseman, but he’s been getting some time at first base, too.

“He’s on our radar,” Black said. “Whether it makes sense to bring him to our opening day roster … these are the things that we discuss. We’ll see what plays out in the middle of next week when we formulate our roster and (decide) what’s best for the Rockies and a lot of times, what’s best for our players. But he’s been impressive.”

The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Welker has shaved off about 10 pounds since last year. He eats a lot of spinach, which he hates, and doesn’t eat his mom’s Ital

ian cooking, which he loves. The gastronomical sacrifice is well wor th it.

“I definitely feel quicker,” he said. “I did some agility stuff in the offseason with my trainer. I feel better in the batter’s box. My body feels looser. I feel more able to fire, so I’m ready to go.”

Welker, 23, is hitting .343 (12-for-35) with one home run and a team-high 10 RBIS.

He tends to treat spring training as his personal showcase, with a cumulative .405 average. In 2019, he hit .526 with a double, two homers and seven RBIS in just 20 games. In last year’s limited spring, he hit .438 (7-for-16) with two doubles and three RBIS in 11 games.

Black rarely gets jazzed about Cactus League stats, but Welker has shown him other things that have left a big impression.

“What we’re seeing is a natural progression of maturity,” Black said.