Bryant a late scratch with lower-back pain

Kris Bryant, the allstar whom the Rockies signed to a seven-year, $182 million contract, was a late scratch for Monday night’s game against the Pirates because of a sore back.

Bryant was originally listed as the starter in left field and was batting third before he was removed from the lineup about 90 minutes before the first pitch.

Asked about the condition of Bryant’s back, manager Bud Black said: “It’s just OK. I think he’s still finding his way, physically.”

Bryant, 30, went on the disabled list with a strained lower back on April 26 and missed 21 games. He came off the IL on Saturday and played in the first game of a doubleheader against the Mets, going 1-for-4. He also played in Sunday’s game, going 0-for-2 with two walks.

Bryant is hitting .270 (17 for 63) with a .676 OPS. He has yet to hit a home run with the Rockies in 73 plate appearances. He started off the season hot but was in a 1-for-16 slump when he went on the injured list the first time.

Catching on. Rookie catcher Brian Serven made a statement with his bat on Saturday in Colorado’s 11-3 victory over the Mets in Game 2 of a doubleheader at Coors Field. Serven hit a pair of two-run homers — his first two major league hits.

But it’s not just Serven’s breakout day at the plate that has impressed the Rockies.

“Overall, he’s made incremental improvements for a number of years when he’s been with us in big-league camp,” Black said. “He’s been able to talk to (bench coach) Mike Redmond every day about catching, and Mike was a very good big-league catcher for a lot of years.

“Everything has improved for Brian. Blocking, receiving, arm strength, footwork and catching technique. All of it. His entire game has improved.”

Serven, 27, a fifth-round pick in 2016, said he feels comfortable behind the plate in the big leagues.

“There were a few nerves, at first, but once I settled in I was just playing baseball again,” he said. “And it helps that I’ve caught most of these guys before.”

Moving parts. Prior to Monday’s game, the Rockies placed righthanded reliever Robert Stephenson on the COVID-19 injured list and recalled right-hander Ashton Goudeau from Triple-a Albuquerque. Right-hander Antonio Senzatela said his sore lower back feels better. He is scheduled to pitch a bullpen session on Wednesday and then make a rehab start with Triple-a Albuquerque on Friday.

And while Colorado has not yet named a starting pitcher for Wednesday afternoon’s game against the Pirates, right-hander Ryan Feltner was in the Rockies’ clubhouse Monday and is expected to get the call.

Footnote. Infielder Julio Carreras was named the Northwest League player of the week for May 16-22 after recording three multi-hit games and going 7-for-21 with three home runs, two doubles and five RBIS for High-a Spokane.