It’s difficult being cooped up all winter long as a baseball player, waiting for the season to start. It’s even harder to wait an extended period to finally hit the diamond due to injury. As time passes, the body heals and that’s exactly what David Dahl is experiencing as he progresses from his rib injury, suffered in early March.
“I feel good, really good. I started doing a lot more,” said Dahl. “Scans show that it was healing up. Started swinging today, some dry swings so I feel good.”
Dahl gave a quick grade to where he’s at, saying he’s “probably like a six, seven” when it comes to how close he is to returning. Dahl continued “it’s hard to tell, I swung today, did a little more. I’ll know more tomorrow. Hopefully just keep progressing from there.”
Dahl certainly has an eager attitude to get on the field, but still isn’t sure when he’ll be hitting the diamond for real.
“It’s probably a 7-10 swing progression type of thing, hopefully by then, start playing some games, getting back into it. I’m not sure how long the rehab assignment will be.”
Dahl will have a high-mark of quality to meet when he returns. The Colorado Rockies, coming off a 12-run output, have bats that are coming alive. Dahl says, he’s willing to do anything to help out the ball club.
“They’re playing really well, it’s fun to watch,” the young 23-year old outfielder said. “I’m just ready to get back and do whatever I need to do to help the team, whatever role they want me.”
Dahl also talked about some of the veterans that have been helping him since his first major league callup.
“When I came up last year, Cargo helped out alot. Nolan. Everyone here helps the young guys out, it’s a good culture. Help everyone be comfortable so they can go out and help the team.”
Dahl swung the bat well last year after his midseason call-up, hitting .351, with 70 hits in 63 games. He also homered seven times and drove in 24 RBI for the Rockies.
