On second thought, McMahon heads back to third

DENVER -- Ryan McMahon on Tuesday returned to third base, where he has been a finalist for Gold Glove Awards the past two years. The move represents manager Bud Black¡¯s plan to ¡°readdress¡± the position.

Second-year player Elehuris Montero has struggled defensively. His second-inning error Monday opened the door for a six-run inning that greased the Rockies¡¯ path to a 14-3 loss to the Pirates at Coors Field. Montero has shown potential with the bat, and his .289/.333/.422 slash line puts him slightly above MLB average, although he has 16 strikeouts in 45 at-bats.

But with a ground ball-oriented pitching staff that needs solid infield defense, the Rockies are going back to McMahon at the hot corner. Alan Trejo started at second on Tuesday.

¡°We¡¯re going to take a step back and take a look at our situation at third, for sure,¡± Black said. ¡°It¡¯s been a tough go for ¡®Monty¡¯ in the early going here. We¡¯re going to readdress our defense as we move forward.¡±

The move indicated the Rockies are considering optioning Montero to Triple-A Albuquerque. Black did not say such a move will happen, but acknowledged ¡°developing at the Major League level is difficult sometimes.¡±

The Rockies also have tried Montero at first base, both at Albuquerque and in the Majors. If his bat continues to develop, he could work into a designated hitter rotation.

Going into 2023, the Rockies considered having Montero begin the season at Albuquerque. But when 2022 Gold Glove Award winner Brendan Rodgers sustained a left shoulder injury -- one that could cost him the entire season -- McMahon moved to second, a position he has played well in the past.

¡°It¡¯s just showing a lot of flexibility,¡± McMahon said. ¡°It¡¯s definitely easier going back to third. There¡¯s so much more to do at second, plus at third I worked there the whole offseason.¡±