LOS ANGELES -- Rockies All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman missed his second straight start on Wednesday against the Dodgers with a left hand contusion. The injury, which was wrapped tightly during the afternoon, is on the outside of the hand, where the hand meets the wrist.
“We’ll see how it feels swinging, but I don’t know if I’ll swing today or not,” Goodman said.
Goodman said he would participate in Monday's Home Run Derby if he is able to return to game action before the All-Star break.
Well, if invited, that is.
“If I’m able to play this weekend, yes, but if I’m not able to play, I’m definitely not doing the Derby,” Goodman said. “I can’t take five days off and then commit to the Derby. That’s not really a good look.”
In Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Dodgers, Goodman struck out as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning and remained behind the plate for the duration of the game.
As for the Derby, there is no doubt Goodman would like to participate. During the Rockies’ last homestand, Goodman brought his father, Robert, to Coors Field to pitch to him to practice for the Derby, and he intends to bring his father to pitch during the event at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
Wednesday marked the Rockies’ 94th game of the season. Goodman’s 27 homers rank fourth all-time among primary catchers at this juncture – behind Cal Raleigh (2025) with 38 and both Johnny Bench (1970) and Mike Piazza (2000) with 28 apiece. Among Rockies, Goodman’s total is one behind Andrés Galarraga (1994), Vinny Castilla (1998) and Larry Walker (2001), who all had 28 after 94 games.
With players being named as Derby participants by the day, the Rockies’ social media accounts are offering a data-informed thread of reasons – highlighting not just his total but the fact he has hit 18 of his homers on the road – that Goodman should receive that call.
Goodman, named to the National League squad for the second straight year, sustained the injury when he slid into home plate for what originally was the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth inning during Monday’s eventual 8-7, 11-inning loss at Dodger Stadium. The safe call was overturned after a replay challenge and a lengthy review.
Originally in the lineup on Tuesday, Goodman was instead sent for follow-up X-rays, which came back negative, and he is listed as day to day. Braxton Fulford started at catcher in Goodman’s place.
Goodman, 26, is the first Rockies player to be invited to consecutive All-Star Games since Nolan Arenado (2015-19), Charlie Blackmon (2017-19) and Trevor Story (2018-19). In his previous 10 games going into Tuesday, Goodman slashed .333/.386/.846 with six home runs and 12 RBIs.