SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Raimel Tapia is the front-runner for the fourth outfield job, but the Rockies are looking for continued improvement. For example, they want to see more plate discipline when he’s faced with breaking balls out of the strike zone.
He’s getting there.
In Sunday’s game vs. the Giants, Tapia chased three sliders in the dirt before grounding a ball to the right side of the infield to score Ian Desmond from third. Monday against the Rangers, Tapia, a left-handed hitter, ripped a two-strike, 95 mph fastball from lefty Jeffrey Springs down the third-base line for a two-run double.