NEW YORK -- Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, who was not in Sunday's starting lineup against the Mets, is off to a slow start, going 17-for-79 (.215) with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 24 games.
Manager Bud Black said he is not concerned about Gonzalez, and he believes he will break out of the slump. The skipper pointed out that Gonzalez's slow start may stem from his late signing -- Gonzalez was a free agent and didn't re-sign with Colorado until March 12 -- and hamstring issues. Gonzalez was activated off the disabled list this past Monday.
"I haven't put him in there regularly since he came off the injury," Black said. "There is so much season left for CarGo to contribute. The bat speed is there. He has hit in a little tough luck at times. But I suspect he is going to be like Desi [Ian Desmond], like Chris [Iannetta], like some other guys who aren't quite there. They are going to be contributors."