MLB: Three Immediate Impact Players Coming Off the DL in May
By Anthony Sosa
Ian Desmond
In the offseason, the Colorado Rockies went out and signed free agent utility man and power hitter Ian Desmond to a five-year, $70 million deal with a team option in 2022.
The Rockies added depth to an already powerful lineup in Colorado. They planned to play Desmond at first base to start the 2017 season. However, in Spring Training, Desmond was hit by a pitch and suffered a fractured left hand.
Desmond started the season on the DL. Despite the loss of Desmond, the Rockies still own a record of 15-9. Imagine what the Rockies’ record might look like with Desmond mixed in.
The 31-year-old is a two-time All-Star and a three-time Silver Slugger winner. Last season with the Texas Rangers, Desmond hit .285/.335/.446 with 22 home runs and 86 RBI. Desmond’s hit 132 homers and drove in 518 runs in his career.
Playing in a hitter-friendly ballpark like Coors Field should increase Desmond’s power numbers. Rockies’ fans can plan on seeing Desmond soon. Denver Post writer Nick Groke reported that Desmond is nearing a return to MLB action. He’ll play in a couple extended Spring Training games this weekend as part of a rehab assignment.
Expect the Rockies offense to improve with Desmond in the lineup. He’ll add more boom to an offense that ranks second in home runs, fourth in RBI and fourth in runs scored.