Clint Hurdle’s office sat vacant, bobbleheads and pictures a reminder of its occupant. Hurdle remained with his ill 2-year-old daughter, Madison, on Tuesday, connected to the Rockies by frequent phone calls.
Hurdle has missed eight games the past two weeks, including the last two, as his little girl receives treatment for genetic epilepsy at Children’s Hospital. Rockies president Keli McGregor said the organization would address Hurdle’s situation on a daily basis rather than grant an indefinite leave of absence.
“The reality is that Clint can have all the time he needs,” McGregor said. “It’s a delicate balance. We have the ultimate respect for Clint, and he would have to participate in any decision (about an extended leave). We love him, man, and we trust him.”
Hurdle remains in contact with team officials and coaches even as he splits 12-hour shifts at the hospital with wife Karla. He has endured a difficult five months, leaving friends concerned about his well-being.
Hurdle’s youngest son, Christian, spent nine days on a ventilator at Christmastime after developing pneumonia. Hurdle was sent home from work twice this season because of a nasty virus, and Madison returned to the hospital Monday, 11 days after suffering 14 seizures.
McGregor was asked if the Rockies are asking too much of Hurdle by not temporarily relieving him of his duties.
“He knows we want him with Madison. She is special to us around here,” McGregor said. “Because of the communication we have, I believe that going day-to-day is appropriate, that there are no gaps created with Clint or the team. Maybe that will change at some point, but not right now.”
Barmes undergoes surgery
It took nine screws and a flexible 5-inch titanium plate to repair Clint Barmes’ shattered and splintered left collarbone. The shortstop suffered the season-ending injury Sunday, slipping while walking up his stairs with groceries.
According to trainer Keith Dugger, it will be several weeks before Barmes is allowed to run. He was the leading candidate for National League rookie of the year.
“Everyone feels bad for him,” Rockies pitcher Jason Jennings said.
Footnotes
Aaron Cook threw three innings in an extended spring-training game, but continues to lack shoulder strength. He will arrive at Coors Field this week and work with the training staff before embarking on a 20-day rehab assignment. … Aaron Miles, expected back midmonth, tried out Nike’s new red contact lenses during batting practice, the same worn by Baltimore’s Brian Roberts. “I picked them up in Chicago, and I am anxious to see how they work,” Miles said.
