Rox reinstate Desmond, 3 others to roster
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DENVER -- The Rockies on Sunday reinstated four players to their Major League roster, including outfielder Ian Desmond -- who decided not to play in the 2020 season due to the pandemic.
Sunday was the deadline for the decision to reinstate players under special circumstances such as Desmond, plus players who finished the season on the 45/60-day injured list. Those injured players reinstated on Sunday were right-handed pitcher Scott Oberg, who missed the season because of a blood clotting issue that led to thoracic outlet surgery; right-handed starter Peter Lambert, who missed the season because of Tommy John surgery; and outfielder David Dahl, who was limited to 24 games because of a right shoulder injury that required surgery.
Desmond, 35, exercised his right not to play just before the shutdown ended, instead concentrating on projects such as reviving youth baseball in his hometown of Sarasota, Fla., raising awareness and money for the fight against neurofibromatosis and giving his attention to social justice issues. For his efforts, Desmond earned the Rockies’ nomination for the 2020 Roberto Clemente Award -- his fourth straight such nomination.
By not playing, Desmond forfeited slightly more than $5.5 million in salary. He is due $8 million in 2021, the final year of a five-year, $70 million contract. There also is a $2 million buyout on a $15 million option for 2022. In three seasons with the Rockies, Desmond has slashed .252/.313/.429 in 395 games, with lengthy stints at first base, center field and left field.
Oberg, who turns 31 on March 13, is entering the second year of a three-year, $13 million contract with a 2023 team option. Over 2018 and 2019, Oberg averaged 9.0 strikeouts per nine innings and was one of the most effective relievers in the sport.
Lambert, who turns 24 on April 18, went 3-7 with a 7.25 ERA in 19 starts after debuting in 2019, and was competing for a spot in the 2020 rotation before the injury occurred.
Dahl, who turns 27 on April 1, is heading into his second year of arbitration. The Rockies installed him as their center fielder and leadoff hitter for 2020, but the injuries led to a .183/.222/.247 slash line.
The moves leave the Rockies’ 40-man roster at 38.