Hampson’s speed may provide big boost

Garrett Hampson has the potential to be a pest. Maybe that’s what the Rockies’ slumbering offense could use right now.

The rookie infielder was in the starting lineup again Friday night against Arizona, filling in for injured allstar shortstop Trevor Story. Hampson made his seventh start of the season Tuesday night in Colorado’s loss at Los Angeles. Hampson, 23, batted 1for2 with a walk and a stolen base. Hampson had hit safely in six of his last seven starts, batting 7for21.

Speed and a slick infield glove are Hampson’s calling cards, but manager Bud Black likes something else about him.

“He’s a highenergy player, and he’s a runner that can beat a ball out, he can steal a base and he can go first to home,” Black said. “He’s a pest, to a certain extent, to the opposing pitchercatcher combination.”

Hampson is not wideeyed about filling in for an allstar during a stretch when every game has playoff ramifications. He’s just going to do his thing.

“I’m not putting too much pressure on myself,” he said before Friday’s game. “I’m not going out there trying to hit three home runs or anything. I’m not trying to win the game by myself. I’m just trying to stick to what I do, play my game and take good atbats.”

Hampson, who made a huge impression on the Rockies’ staff during spring training, will likely play a prominent role with the club next season.

Black on Nolan.

It’s no secret that Nolan Arenado is struggling at the plate, and everyone seems to have a theory as to why the allstar third baseman is in a funk that includes a 4for25 performance in the first six games of this current road trip.

Some fans and writers have opined that the pressure is getting to Arenado. Others have said it’s simply a matter of mechanics.