Dahl, McMahon activated for opener vs. Phils

April 19th, 2019

DENVER -- The Rockies reinstated outfielder and infielder , both of whom entered the season as regulars, from the 10-day injured list, and the pair was in Colorado's starting lineup on Thursday night against the Phillies at Coors Field.

Dahl started in center field and hit second against Philadelphia, while McMahon got the start at first base and hit fifth. In the sixth inning against Phillies starter Zach Eflin, McMahon deposited a 1-1 changeup into the Rockies' bullpen in left-center field for a go-ahead three-run home run, his first of the season. McMahon added another home run, a two-run shot, in the seventh inning to extend Colorado's lead.

The Rockies optioned outfielder Yonathan Daza and infielder Josh Fuentes to Triple-A Albuquerque in a corresponding move.

Dahl, who entered Thursday night’s game against the Phillies batting .343 (12-for-35) with two home runs and six RBIs in 10 games, last played April 7, when he sustained a left-side core injury while taking a swing against the Dodgers.

McMahon was hitting 5-for-25 (.200) with two doubles and one RBI through seven games before he was injured in a collision with the Dodgers’ A.J. Pollock during the Rockies’ home opener on April 5.

Dahl and McMahon's returns put the Rockies, who have struggled with injuries during a slow start to the regular season, one player shy of the lineup they expected coming into the year. First baseman Daniel Murphy left the lineup with a fractured left index finger in the second game of the season.

Daza (0-for-11 in three games) and Fuentes (2-for-18 in nine games) were in the Majors for the first time.

More health updates

• Lefty starter Tyler Anderson, out since April 7 with left knee inflammation, threw a full bullpen session Thursday, Rockies manager Bud Black said. Colorado is yet to name a starter for Monday's game against the Nationals.

• Murphy took batting practice and did full activities before Thursday’s game. Murphy likely will need to see game action before returning to the Rockies, either through a Minor League rehab assignment or extended spring camp.

• Center fielder Ian Desmond was out of the lineup on Thursday for the second straight game with what Black has called “general leg soreness.” Desmond didn’t play in Tuesday’s finale of two games at San Diego, and didn’t return to the lineup after Wednesday’s team day off.

• Lefty reliever Jake McGee, who went to the injured list after two appearances this season with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee, has started playing catch and doing strengthening exercises. When he returns, McGee will wear a special brace that stabilizes the MCL.

• An MRI confirmed the Rockies' original assessment that catcher Chris Iannetta, placed on the injured list on Monday, has a mild left lat strain.