Blackmon optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs

DENVER -- Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon felt the decision to option him to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Wednesday might have been much tougher had he performed better during his 12-game trial. The Rockies recalled pitcher Rob Scahill to fill his spot on the roster.

Manager Walt Weiss had a strategic reason. Bullpen usage has been heavy, and the Rockies are in the midst of games on 17 straight days. But Blackmon hit .240 with one home run and two RBIs. He also committed an error.

Weiss praised Blackmon's physical tools. The challenge for Blackmon is to regain the stroke he might have lost in sporadic Major League time and be ready for the next call. Scahill gives the Rockies 13 pitchers, but Weiss could go back to 12 at any time.

"I got here and played right away, started three games in a row, so it's not like they didn't give me an opportunity," said Blackmon, whose stints in the Majors in 2011 and 2012 were abbreviated by right foot injuries. "I'm sure if I'd done a better job with that chance, I'd have played much more.

"I think I showed them that I have the ability to play good defense, but I don't think I played very well out there. There were a couple of plays I could've made that I didn't make. I've been there before. I'll go to Colorado Springs and try to do the best I can."

"Charlie is a well-rounded player, a really good athlete," Weiss said. "It looks like he's running as well as he has in a long time. He's a good defender. It's just a matter of him going down there, getting everyday at-bats and doing his thing again."