Colorado Rockies offseason signee Ian Desmond has yet to play a game for his new franchise, but Monday he took a big step towards getting back on the field.

Desmond took live batting practice Monday for the first time since breaking his hand back in March. The return to the diamond was great for Desmond, who looked relatively comfortable at the plate for the first time in weeks.

“It was good to get back out on the field and feel like a baseball player again,” Desmond told the media following the session.

Desmond felt good at the plate following the session. Right now, it’s all about re-finding his stroke and correcting a few minor mechanical issues.

“I just want to have a good crisp swing that I know I can take into the game,” Desmond said. “I felt close to that today. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll get back out there again and get some things corrected.”

Desmond will add another dimension to the Rockies already ferocious lineup. Stacked from beginning to end, the Rockies lineup will only get better when Desmond returns.

“He’s going to be a key component to our team moving forward,” manager Bud Black said. “We’ve talked about his versatility, value as a player, mixing him in with all the other guys. It’s great to see him on the field. … Everything looked great. It was good, so we were excited for him.”

No official timetable has bee given on a return for Desmond, but he is progressing along nicely. According to Desmond, it’s just a matter of waiting for the ok from the medical staff.

Desmond’s return has been long awaited. This past offseason he signed a five-year, $70- million contract, the largest in Rockies history.While he was signed to play first base, his natural adaptability gives Colorado flexibility, something that will prove to be valuable with a roster stacked with an abundance of talent.

All in all, Monday was a huge step for Desmond who is expected back to the Rockies in the not so distant future.

“It felt good. I felt right at home.” Desmond said.