The Colorado Rockies' Jordan Pacheco has forced his way into a conversation: does he break camp with the Rockies? As Troy Renck reports, Ian Stewart's prolonged absence could give way to a move to the DL, opening a spot for Pacheco to make the Opening Day roster. Pacheco would be the team's third catcher, but fill more of a super-utility role since he is a converted infielder (played second base in college and had some time at first in the Arizona Fall League).
While there is still plenty of time for everything to settle, Pacheco will be behind the plate today and bat sixth against the Kansas City Royals. Here is the complete lineup:
CF Dexter Fowler
2B Jonathan Herrera
LF Carlos Gonzalez
3B Jose Lopez
1B Todd Helton
C Jordan Pacheco
RF Seth Smith
SS Chris Nelson
P Jason Hammel
Following Hammel in the game will be Matt Lindstrom, Franklin Morales, Matt Daley, Rex Brothers and Bruce Billings. Daley had been competing for a bullpen spot, but now that Felipe Paulino was moved there, Daley will likely be in the minors. Brothers and Billings are both candidates to see the majors at some point later in the 2011 season.
First pitch is 1:05 p.m. MT.