Motter called up, eager to make an impact

HOUSTON -- Taylor Motter has spent the better part of a year working to shed the “utility player” label. On Tuesday in Houston, he had his first opportunity to put those efforts to the test, slotted into the Rockies’ lineup as the designated hitter in the series opener with the Astros.

Motter was called up hours earlier from Triple-A Albuquerque as a roster replacement for outfielder Raimel Tapia, who was placed on the 10-day IL with a right big toe strain. Manager Bud Black expects Tapia to be back after the 10 days. That gives Motter a moderate amount of time to show what he can do, after a three-year absence from the big leagues.

Having spent most of his career as a utility type who relied on speed and stealing bases to earn playing time, Motter worked last offseason to add power to his game. He also added 35-40 pounds to his frame and changed his approach at the plate -- “try to be a guy that can bang a little bit,” Motter said.

That’s precisely what he was doing in Albuquerque before he was called up. Motter slashed .335/.460/.759 with 24 homers for the Isotopes. If those numbers translate, he’ll add power to a Rockies lineup that has been in a groove for a few weeks. Since July 11, Colorado has averaged a league-leading 5.77 runs per game, with a league-leading 1.86 homers per game -- 41 homers over 22 games.

Those numbers could improve even more with Motter, who posted a 1.220 OPS for the Isotopes before his callup.

“He’s hit, and he’s hit all year,” Black said. “He’s been really good the last month. He’s a guy that has played himself back to the big leagues based on performance. It’s been a good story, to watch him and the season unfold, what he’s done offensively with the bat.”

Motter last played in the Majors in 2018, splitting time between the Mariners and Twins. Overall, he has a .191 average over 372 Major League at-bats. Now 31 (he turns 32 next month), he’s looking to reestablish himself as a power hitter in an organization that is looking for fresh talent to add to the organization moving forward.

“Being that utility guy who you’re not afraid to put in to hit at any time, it’s huge,” Motter said. “That’s one thing that I prided myself this offseason was to be that hitter, [and a guy] that you can use at any position.”

After receiving glowing reports from Albuquerque, Black is ready to take a long look at Motter, who was also expected to be in the lineup Wednesday, when the Rockies face lefty Framber Valdez.

“He’s found something that has clicked for him,” Black said. “He’s going to get an opportunity here. We’ll see how long this goes and the at-bats he puts up. We’ll play him in the field and see whether this is a guy we need to consider over the wintertime as part of our organization. We’re looking for performers, we’re looking for guys to help us win. He’s going to get his opportunity. “