Ahead of Saturday night’s game against Cincinnati at Coors Field, the Rockies recalled Ryan McMahon from Triple-A Albuquerque. The 23-year-old will start at second base, his first career major league start at the position.

“With (McMahon), we’re looking for a little bit more offense than the little bit we’ve seen from second base,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “Mac’s been swinging the bat a little bit better in Triple-A the last week or so… hopefully that carries over, and we have another left-handed bat in the lineup against a right-handed starter. He’ll be in there tonight, he’ll be in there tomorrow and hopefully he can provide a little bit of help at the bottom of the order.”

McMahon began the season in Denver before being optioned May 1 with a .180 batting average and 22 strikeouts in 50 at-bats. He said his time in Triple-A was well spent rediscovering the groove in his swing as he also focused on his infielding skills.

“I needed to get consistent at-bats, get my swing back and just be the type of hitter that I am,” McMahon said. “I worked on second base, third base and first base, and just making small (adjustments) at each position.”

Since being sent down, McMahon hit .253 in 91 at-bats with 32 strikeouts and three homers. Where exactly he’ll fit this time around in the Rockies lineup is irrelevant to him, he said. He played in four games at second last season, and has also made 10 career starts at first and four at third.

“Whatever they role they need me to be in — if it’s off the bench again, I think I’ve made some great mental adjustments that will help me if that is my role,” McMahon said. “And if I’m playing (like I am) today, I’m just focused on going out there and helping the team win.”

Infielder Pat Valaika, called up on May 14 due to DJ LeMahieu’s thumb injury, was optioned to Triple-A to make room for McMahon. He is hitting .120 in 75 big league at-bats this season.