PHOENIX — “Starting in left field for the Colorado Rockies, No. 20 … Ian Desmond.”

That wasn’t the scenario the Rockies envisioned when they signed Desmond to a five-year, $70 million contract to be their starting first baseman. However, that’s the announcement likely to come over the public address system Sunday afternoon at Chase Field when Desmond makes his expected Rockies debut vs. Arizona.

Manager Bud Black didn’t officially announce that Desmond will come off the disabled list but after watching Desmond play well in his second extended spring game Saturday, Black came very close to making the announcement.

“He looked great … his timing was great,” Black said.

Desmond, returning from a broken left hand he suffered in spring training, had seven at-bats and four doubles on Saturday. He started the game at first base, then moved to left field for two innings.

Black will talk with general manager Jeff Bridich to make a final decision on when to promote Desmond. A two-time all-star, once as a shortstop, where he started for six full seasons with Washington, Desmond was converted to an outfielder in Texas last season. He’s never played first base, though he worked there extensively during spring training. This winter, the Rockies insisted they signed him to play first, at least this season. But that was before he broke his hand.

Starting Desmond in left field Sunday makes sense because the Rockies are facing left-hander Patrick Corbin and they would like to have another right-handed bat in the lineup. That means keeping hot-hitting Mark Reynolds at first base and starting Desmond in left, likely supplanting Gerardo Parra, at least for one game. Related Articles September 18, 2020 Dodgers clobber Rockies, 15-6, smack three home runs

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“I feel comfortable, but it’s really more about how (the Rockies) feel,” Desmond said. “I played left field for 40 games last year, but that was the first 40 games of the season, so that was a long time ago. I will try to put in as much work as I can.”

It’s looking more and more like the Rockies will use Desmond as a high-profile utility player, much like the Chicago Cubs utilize Ben Zobrist, who plays second base and outfield.

Footnotes. Outfielder David Dahl, out of action with injured ribs since Colorado’s second Cactus League game, took live batting practice Friday. He woke up a little sore on Saturday, but happy that pain in his rib did not flare up.

“It’s just muscle soreness, because I haven’t swung a bat in so long,” Dahl said. “We’ll see where we go from here. I haven’t been told when my rehab assignment might start.”….According to the Elias Sports Bureau, left-hander Kyle Freeland (2.93 ERA) and right-hander Antonio Senzatela (2.81) are the only two pitchers in Rockies history to earn three or more victories while maintaining a sub-3.00 ERA over their first five career starts.

Looking ahead …

Rockies RHP German Marquez (0-1, 18.00 ERA) at Diamondbacks LHP Patrick Corbin (2-3, 3.10), 2:10 p.m. Sunday, ROOT; 850 AM

Rockies manager Bud Black believes in Marquez, the 22-year-old with the 96 mph fastball, a developing breaking ball and a good changeup. What was missing in his first start of the season on Tuesday against the Nationals was command of his fastball. The result was eight runs allowed on eight hits over four innings. Before getting called up because of an injury to Jon Gray, Marquez was stellar at Triple-A Albuquerque, posting a 2.70 ERA with no walks and 18 strikeouts in three appearances (two starts). “We need him to pitch well,” Black said. “And he can do it, he’s capable and he’s got a good delivery. … But he’s got to get his fastball in good spots.” Corbin is beginning to resemble the pitcher he was when he first burst on the scene in Arizona. He’s tossed four consecutive quality starts. In 13 career games vs. Colorado, he’s 5-2 with a 4.99 ERA.

Monday: Off

Tuesday: Rockies RHP Tyler Chatwood (2-3, 4.88) at Padres RHP Trevor Cahill (1-2, 4.50), 8:10 p.m., ROOT