Here is the Rockies’ Opening Day roster
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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Rockies announced their Opening Day roster before Thursday's game against the D-backs.
They drew closer to the complete 26-man group when they acquired outfielder-first baseman Jake Cave from the Phillies on Sunday. The team also decided to keep Victor Vodnik -- a young, power righty who still must gain consistency -- in the bullpen. They’ll stock the Triple-A Albuquerque bullpen with a mix of young power arms and hurlers with Major League experience.
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Catcher (2): Elias Díaz, Jacob Stallings
Pitchers are saying both catchers have been in tune with them on game plans and in-game reactions this spring.
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First base (1): Kris Bryant
Bryant will also rotate to designated hitter and right field.
Second base (1): Brendan Rodgers
Rodgers has had a consistent camp in preparation to be the team’s cleanup hitter.
Third base (1): Ryan McMahon
McMahon is one of several Rockies to redouble their efforts to put balls in play with more regularity.
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Shortstop (1): Ezequiel Tovar
Tovar’s next area of growth: Combat a scouting report that says he can be had with down-and-away breaking balls.
Outfield (4): Nolan Jones, Brenton Doyle, Charlie Blackmon, Michael Toglia
The switch-hitting Toglia ended up making the cut over Sean Bouchard.
"It was what we saw last year with his at-bats and the strides he's made on the mechanical side and the approach side," said manager Bud Black of Toglia.
Designated hitter (1): Elehuris Montero
Montero has flashed power potential, but needs more consistency to keep getting starts at DH or first base.
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Bench/utility (2): Alan Trejo, Jake Cave
The Rockies acquired Cave, who can play all three outfield positions and first base, from the Phillies on Sunday for cash considerations. Trejo, a non-roster invitee, played well enough to earn a job.
Starting pitchers (5): LHP Kyle Freeland, RHP Cal Quantrill, LHP Austin Gomber, RHP Ryan Feltner, RHP Dakota Hudson
Gomber has had some ERA-inflating starts, but in general the group had solid springs.
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Relief pitchers (8): RHP Justin Lawrence, RHP Tyler Kinley, RHP Jake Bird, LHP Jalen Beeks, RHP Nick Mears, RHP Victor Vodnik, RHP Peter Lambert, RHP Anthony Molina
It appears Lawrence is the likely closer, but Kinley will have opportunities based on usage.
Projected lineup:
1. Charlie Blackmon, RF
2. Kris Bryant, 1B
3. Nolan Jones, LF
4. Brendan Rodgers, 2B
5. Ryan McMahon, 3B
6. Elias Díaz, C
7. Elehuris Montero, DH
8. Ezequiel Tovar, SS
9. Brenton Doyle, CF
Projected rotation:
1. Kyle Freeland, LHP
2. Cal Quantrill, RHP
3. Austin Gomber, LHP
4. Ryan Feltner, RHP
5. Dakota Hudson, RHP