DENVER — Mark Reynolds glided into the Colorado Rockies’ clubhouse on a motorized skateboard.

A fitting ride these days for a player who just keeps rolling along.

Expected to be a backup, 33-year-old Mark Reynolds has instead become a key contributor to the Rockies' lineup after filling in because of an injury. Associated Press/ David Zalubowski

Reynolds is having an unlikely All-Star-caliber season, hitting .326 with a team-leading 12 homers and 33 RBI. Unlikely, because he wasn’t even supposed to be the everyday first baseman for the NL West-leading Rockies.

Signed to a minor league deal in February, Reynolds became a valuable insurance policy when outfielder-turned-first baseman Ian Desmond was sidelined by a broken left hand in spring training. Now that Desmond’s back, the Rockies have altered their plans because the 33-year-old Reynolds has been too hot to take out of the lineup.

“He’s been playing phenomenal,” said Desmond, whose team starts a 10-game trip in Minnesota on Tuesday. “He’s been a huge part of us. He’s been carrying us. It doesn’t seem like there is any signs of slowing down, which is awesome.”

Reynolds’ resurgence, though, does present an outfield dilemma for Manager Bud Black, who’s trying to find adequate playing time for Desmond, Gerardo Parra, Charlie Blackmon and Carlos Gonzalez. Soon, there could be another name added to the mix when David Dahl returns from a rib injury.

But these are good dilemmas, not bad, because Colorado’s depth – along with a stingy bullpen and reliable starting pitching from a young cast – is a big reason why the team is off to its best start in franchise history (24-15).

A consistent catalyst has been Reynolds, who’s one of the top first basemen in the National League and not listed on the All-Star ballot (Desmond is on there). A vote for Reynolds requires using the write-in slot.

That’s all right, he insisted – if he makes his first All-Star team, great. If not, more time with the family.

He’s been in an All-Star quandary before, when he had 24 homers at the break in 2009 while with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was part of the vote for the final All-Star spot and lost out to Shane Victorino.

“To experience it once would be neat,” Reynolds said. “Four days with your family isn’t bad, either.”

For now, he’s just riding his wave of his productivity.

“Because waves come crashing down, don’t they?” said Reynolds, who homered in four straight games earlier this month. “That’s why you have to stay even keel. You don’t dwell on it, because, yeah, the last few days have been awesome. But the next three days could be 0 for 20. You’ve got to forget about it and concentrate on that day.”

Reynolds’ sizzling play has thrown a wrench into the Rockies’ initial plans. Not that they mind, of course.

Converting Desmond into a first baseman was the offseason goal. But Desmond got hit by a pitch in spring training and was sidelined until April 30.

Given the opportunity, Reynolds has flourished. His approach is simple: Make it hard for Black to keep his name out of the lineup.

DIAMONDBACKS: Arizona selected outfielder Reymond Fuentes from Triple-A Reno after placing center fielder A.J. Pollock on the 10-day disabled list with a right groin strain on Monday.

Fuentes, taken 28th overall by the Red Sox in the 2009 draft, was batting .376 for the Aces.

No timetable was set for Pollock’s return.

GIANTS: Right fielder Hunter Pence was placed on the 10-day DL with a strained left hamstring.

RANGERS: Center fielder Carlos Gomez is headed to the disabled list and will be sidelined for at least a month with a right hamstring strain.

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