Need a silver lining amid the worst start in Rockies franchise history?

Get to know Hunter Goodman.

The 25-year-old Tennessee native emerged as the team’s top catcher with consistent hitting and improvement behind the plate. Goodman concluded a home doubleheader Thursday against the Tigers with at least one hit in 19 of his last 22 games (since April 14). It coincides with Clint Hurdle taking over as Colorado’s hitting coach.

“It’s just staying within myself and trusting the plan that I have to start that day,” Goodman told The Denver Gazette. “When I struggle, I try to do more than I should. … My favorite thing is (Hurdle’s) mentality that he wants us to have and the vibe that he brings. You go up there with a lot of confidence.”

Goodman — a fourth-round draft pick (Memphis, 2021) — also touts power. His five homers this season are tied for the team lead with outfielder Jordan Beck.

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“Aggressive mindset,” manager Bud Black said earlier this week regarding Goodman. “I think we’ve seen incremental improvement in the chase. That was a big problem, especially early in the year. Now, it’s sort of calmed down a little bit. … He’s got bat speed. He can hit a fastball. He can hit a hanging breaking ball. The overall way that he’s conducting the at-bat is getting better.”

Goodman’s catching remains somewhat a work in progress. On Wednesday, he caught Tigers shortstop Trey Sweeney stealing and assisted on the putout at second base. On Thursday, Goodman failed to backstop a throw home for an error that led to a Detroit run scored.

The Rockies are still pleased with his overall catching.

“Last year, we put him through all the rigors of the outfield, first base and catcher. That’s a lot for a young player as a rookie. This year, where we were team wise, we felt as though the best thing for Hunter and us was to concentrate solely on catching — which is his natural position,” Black said. “He’s done a fine job. He’s getting better, which is a good thing. The game-calling part, last year we saw it was fine, solid. A good feel for that and a good feel for handling the pitching staff. In that regard, there’s been a lot of positives.”

Goodman made his MLB debut in 2023 before transitioning to his utility role a year ago. The young catcher continues growing. The Rockies (6-31) can use all the help they can get.

“It’s the Big Leagues. You get up here and you want to impress. You want to make a name for yourself and all that stuff,” Goodman said. “But at the end of the day, it’s still baseball. It’s the game you’ve played since you were little. Just go up there and be you.”

Your daily report on everything sports in Colorado – covering the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and columns from Woody Paige and Paul Klee.

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Ex-Rockies outfielder Nolan Jones: ‘Surprised” at trade out of Colorado

Game 1 — Tigers 10, Rockies 2

What happened: Colorado got blown out in the first game of a doubleheader against Detroit at Coors Field.

On the mound: Starting lefty Kyle Freeland got pulled with no outs in the fourth inning after he allowed nine runs (five earned) on 11 hits with one walk and two strikeouts. Relievers Angel Chivilli and Juan Mejia combined to give up one run. Colorado had three fielding errors in the game.

At the plate: Shortstop Alan Trejo hit a sacrifice fly that scored designated hitter Nick Martini in the fifth. Catcher Hunter Goodman hit a sacrifice fly that scored outfielder Jordan Beck in the ninth.

Game 2 — Tigers 11, Rockies 1

What happened: Colorado got steamrolled again in the second game of a doubleheader against Detroit to get swept in their three-game series.

On the mound: Starting right-hander Tanner Gordon gave up seven earned runs on 10 hits over 6 ⅓ innings. Reliever Tyler Kinley struggled in relief allowing four earned runs over just 1 ⅓ innings.

At the plate: Infielder Owen Miller grounded into a fielder’s choice that scored outfielder Mickey Moniak in the second inning.

What’s next: Padres (RHP Randy Vasquez, 1-3; 3.90) at Rockies (RHP Antonio Senzatela, 1-5; 5.50), at 6:40 p.m. on Friday to begin a three-game series at Coors Field.