CINCINNATI -- Mike Tauchman began this season 1-for-23 before being optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on April 21. What he accomplished with the Isotopes from that point forward earned him a trip back to the Major Leagues.
Since then, Tauchman, who was recalled from Triple-A on Tuesday for the Rockies' opener against the Reds, hit .379 in May, leading the Pacific Coast League with eight home runs, 24 RBIs, 31 runs scored and 81 total bases, earning him PCL Player of the Month honors.
"Well-deserved. The numbers look good," Rockies manager Bud Black said. "I expect better production. Michael's in a good spot now."
Tauchman batted .222 in 31 games last season for Colorado and earned his first Opening Day roster spot this year after winning the Abby Greer Award for Rockies Spring Training MVP. That success didn't translate to the regular season, though, but Black said Tauchman is coming back with his swing and mental approach in the right place.
"Talking to him today, he was much more relaxed," Black said.

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Tauchman could get some starts and be used in a double-switch. He'll mostly be used as a backup to all three outfield spots.
Infielder Daniel Castro was optioned to Albuquerque on Tuesday to make room for Tauchman after batting .174 in 18 games.