Nelson’s glove gets him Opening Day start

When the Rockies’ third base job opened, Chris Nelson knew he and Jordan Pacheco would share plaing time. Even more, he knew his glove would be every bit as big as his bat. Nelson didn’t even count in solely starting at third. He continued his preparation to play not only third, but second and shortstop, knowing that his glove would get him starts and keep him on the field.

The glovework is being rewarded already.

Manager Jim Tracy chose to start Nelson at third base in Friday night’s opener against the Astros, with Pacheco — whose hitting earned him a roster spot — coming off the bench.

Here is the Colorado lineup:

Marco Scutaro 2B

Dexter Fowler CF

Carlos Gonzalez LF

Troy Tulowitzki SS

Todd Helton, 1B

Michael Cuddyer, RF

Ramon Hernandez, C

Chris Nelson, 3B

Jeremy Guthrie, P

Here is the Astros’ batting order:

CF Jordan Schafer

2B jose Altuve

LF J.D. Martinez

1B Carlos Lee

RF Brian Bogusevic

3B Chris Johnson

C Jason Castro

SS Marwin Gonzalez

P Wandy Rodriguez