DESMOND BACK AT BATTING PRACTICE

Batting practice usually is not a big deal, unless you’re a kid who happens to snare a souvenir launched into the left-field bleachers at Coors Field.

But batting practice was a really big deal Monday afternoon for Ian Desmond, the Rockies’ first baseman-in-waiting. With owner Dick Monfort, general manager Jeff Bridich and manager Bud Black looking on, Desmond took live BP for the first time since fracturing his left hand when he was hit by a pitch in a March 12 Cactus League game.

“It felt pretty good, and my hand felt good, but my swing could have felt a little better,” said Desmond, who signed a five-year, $70 million free-agent deal to come to Colorado.

Rusty or not, he blasted some impressive shots, including one homer that bounced off the frozen yogurt shop on the concourse beyond left field.

“Hitting a home run in batting practice is not necessarily a goal of mine,” he deadpanned. “I just want to have a good, crisp swing to take into games.”

Desmond not only took batting practice, he shagged flyballs in the outfield, took grounders and throws at first base and ran the bases. Though Colorado signed Desmond primarily to play first base this season, he’ll also see time in the outfield. That’s because he was an all-star at Texas in the outfield last season, and also because Mark Reynolds has played first base so well in Desmond’s absence. Reynolds entered Monday night’s game

David Zalubowski, The Associated Press Rockies first baseman Ian Desmond talks to reporters Monday at Coors Field after taking batting practice for the first time since his hand was broken by a pitch during spring training.