Colorado Rockies Roster
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Colorado Rockies first baseman C.J. Cron had an Opening Day to remember, helping his club defeat the San Diego Padres 7-2 Thursday night. The 10-year veteran went 4-for-5 with a pair of homers, a double, five RBI, and two runs scored. Cron is beginning his third season in Denver, and he hasn't disappointed yet. In 2022, the 33-year-old slashed .257/.315/.468 with 29 homers, 79 runs, and 102 RBI across 150 games. Fantasy managers should expect much of the same this year, as the Colorado air will continue to help his offensive game. Cron should go deep at least 25 times again for the third season in a row and contribute a bunch of counting stats.
Colorado Rockies outfielder Yonathan Daza will act as the leadoff hitter for Thursday's Opening Day against the San Diego Padres, according to MLB.com. Daza earned that role after a solid 2022 season, where he batted .301 with a .349 OBP, and he hit .311 this spring. However, he showed little power and speed, with just two home runs and no stolen bases over 113 games. Daza has the skill to continue providing batting average, but fantasy managers shouldn't count on much else from the 29-year-old, especially if he loses the role at the top of the lineup if the Rockies aren't satisfied with his talent at the plate.
Colorado Rockies outfielder Jurickson Profar is not with the team for Opening Day. He is not able to be replaced on the active roster. Profar just signed with the Rockies two weeks ago and had visa issues resolved two days ago. He didn't play in any Spring Training games for the Rockies, though he did play for Team Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic. It's not known when Profar will join the team, but when he does, he will be a decent deeper league option while playing half his games at Coors Field.
Colorado Rockies closer Daniel Bard was placed on the injured list Thursday due to anxiety. It's unclear how long Bard will be out, but his mental health is the most important thing here. Bard was struggling in Spring Training but was still set to be the Rockies closer to begin the year after earning 34 saves last season. Hopefully he feels better soon and regains his form. In the meantime, Brad Hand and Pierce Johnson could be looking at more save situations for Colorado.
Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Peter Lambert (elbow), who will open the 2023 season in Triple-A Albuquerque's starting rotation, will be on a limited early season pitch count since he had minimal action in 2022 after having Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in 2020. He went 1-1 with a 6.43 ERA in four Cactus League outings, but he looks healthy. The 25-year-old is hoping he can be of use to the Rockies at some point in 2023. "I'm feeling really good -- my elbow, especially," Lambert said. "I feel healthy. I feel strong. And my feel is definitely coming back. Early in camp it was kind of sporadic, and I had a lot of walks. But my last two times, especially, I was much better and more around the zone."
