Corey Dickerson Continues To Thrive With Extended Playing Time

Jun 9, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Corey Dickerson (6) during the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field. The Braves won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Corey Dickerson was the odd-man out in the starting lineup for the Colorado Rockies come Opening Day. After Charlie Blackmon got off to his red-hot start, Dickerson found himself quickly found himself optioned to the Triple-A affiliate Colorado Springs Sky Sox on April 7th. However, after starting pitcher Tyler Chatwood injured his elbow, Corey quickly found himself back with the team on April 14th as he has been a mainstay since.

In the month of April, Dickerson was overshadowed by Chuck Nazty aka Charlie Blackmon who hit an incredible .389/.434/.642 with five home runs, seven doubles, one triple, and 18 RBI’s. Corey would receive only 30 at-bats due to the crowded outfield with Michael Cuddyer, Carlos Gonzalez, Drew Stubbs, and Brandon Barnes. Dickerson however still put up good numbers, hitting .333/.375/.633 with three doubles, two home runs, and three RBI’s.

Dickerson has been patiently waiting for his chance to start and the month of May and June have shown he is capable of the everyday job in the outfielder. With Michael Cuddyer and Carlos Gonzalez battling injury, Dickerson hasn’t missed a beat for the two All-Stars. He would end up hitting .353/.417/.686 in the month of May with four home runs, three doubles, one triple, and 11 RBI’s while scoring 10 runs in 51 AB’s.

The month of June has been no different as Dickerson is showing consistency at the highest level. Entering June 13th, Dickerson is tearing the cover off of the ball. Hitting at a line of .351/.429/.649 with two home runs, three doubles, one triple, and nine RBI’s — not to mention four walks in 37 plate appearances.

Dickerson showed poise after being hit by a pitch from Atlanta Braves reliever David Carpenter Thursday afternoon after his back-swing hit catcher Gerald Laird on the pitch before. Dickerson would jaw with Carpenter a bit but luckily for he and the team, he didn’t charge the mound. Dickerson has been a key role in the Rockies offense and it would have been a huge loss if he collected a suspension in the 10-3 win.

The statistics show Dickerson can keep this up as his splits have been remarkably close month-by-month. We will see if the extended playing time can land him a starting spot down the line with a healthy Carlos Gonzalez and Michael Cuddyer. But for now, we should enjoy what Dickerson is doing at the plate and defensively as well.