Colorado Rockies Settle on Hunter Goodman as Opening Day Catcher

Hunter Goodman earned the trust of the Colorado Rockies thanks to his stellar showing in spring training, scoring the starting catcher job ahead of Friday's showdown with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman (15) celebrates in the dugout after a two run home run during a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Lee Health Sports Complex in Fort Myers, FL. / Jonah Hinebaugh/The News-Press/USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Hunter Goodman will start at catcher for the Colorado Rockies on Friday, per the team's official lineup card.

Goodman will bat sixth in the Opening Day showdown with the Tampa Bay Rays, right between first baseman Michael Toglia and right fielder Nick Martini. Veteran Jacob Stallings will serve as Goodman's backup behind the dish.

In 93 career MLB games, the 25-year-old utility man is a .192 hitter with a .642 OPS and -1.4 WAR. He has been even less productive against right-handed pitchers – like Tampa Bay's starter, Ryan Pepiot – batting .182 with a .594 OPS.

Goodman became more of a full-time catcher this spring, though, all while he hit .444 with 10 extra-base hits and a 1.322 OPS across 19 Cactus League contests. That helped him overtake top prospect Drew Romo in a critical position battle a few weeks back, resulting in Romo getting sent down to Triple-A.

Here is the Rockies' full lineup for their season-opener against the Rays:

1. Brenton Doyle, CF
2. Ezequiel Tovar, SS
3. Ryan McMahon, 3B
4. Kris Bryant, DH
5. Michael Toglia, 1B
6. Hunter Goodman, C
7. Nick Martini, RF
8. Kyle Farmer, 2B
9. Jordan Beck, LF
SP: Kyle Freeland, LHP

First pitch from Steinbrenner Field is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET.

Related MLB Stories

• ABREU'S HISTORIC HOMERS: Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu joined an exclusive list in franchise history by blasting two Opening Day home runs. CLICK HERE

• ADLEY KEEPS MASHING: Adley Rutschman added to his illustrious Opening Day resume on Thursday, blasting two home runs in the Orioles' 12-2 win over the Blue Jays. CLICK HERE

• GORE RACKS UP PUNCHOUTS: MacKenzie Gore struck out 13 Phillies in 6.0 innings of work on Opening Day, placing the Nationals ace alone atop the MLB record books. CLICK HERE

Follow Fastball On SI on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball On SI coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

You can also follow Sam Connon on Twitter @SamConnon.