Rodgers optimistic about returning ahead of schedule

HOUSTON -- Rockies 2022 Gold Glove second baseman Brendan Rodgers didn’t buy predictions that he would miss the season when he underwent surgery in March to repair his left shoulder capsule.

On Wednesday, Rodgers laid out the light that he always saw at the end of the process. He’ll continue his rehab with the club during the first homestand after the All-Star break, but the plan is to head to the team’s complex in Scottsdale, Ariz., around July 19. From there, he will begin a reintroduction to game action of what manager Bud Black expects to be “30 to 50 at-bats,” with the final game action at Triple-A Albuquerque.

If all goes well, Rodgers will hit on the optimistic prediction that he could return to play in one to two months.

“It happened so early in spring, I just tried to keep high hopes,” said Rodgers, who puts the health of his shoulder at 90 percent. “The recovery process has gone really smoothly. Knock on wood, I haven’t had any setbacks. There’s nothing to really complain about at this point.

“I’ve been starting to ramp things up in the gym and, obviously, on the field. I’m really looking forward to seeing some live arms, seeing how I recover and how I feel.”

The injury was to Rodgers’ non-throwing arm, but it’s the lead arm in his swing. It was a swing that, last season, took his batting average from an .078 start in April to a final .266 with 13 home runs and 63 RBIs -- with prolonged hot streaks along the way.

What could help keep Rodgers’ shoulder safe is he finishes his “A” swing with both hands on the bat. But there are other swings.

“There are some occasions where you really can’t control how you’re going to finish -- a two-strike count, a slider away and you want to reach a little bit forward and shoot it the other way. But I have been practicing a lot finishing with one hand, just in case. Overall, I feel pretty good right now. When I start seeing some live arms and get some adrenaline going, I’ll see how it feels.”

Rodgers said his decision to stay with the club, as opposed to rehabbing at home in Florida, was best. He’s also watched, and lately has been able to work with, rookie shortstop Ezequiel Tovar -- a key player in the team’s future. With two-time Gold Glove finalist Ryan McMahon at third base, Rodgers is excited about the infield’s future.

“With those two guys on the left side field of the infield tearing it up, it’s fun to watch,” said Rodgers, 26 years old and headed into his second year of arbitration eligibility. “I obviously wish I was out there, turning double plays and making cool plays with them.

“But my time is coming, and I’ll be back.”