San Diego – Overlooked in the wreckage and dust of the Rockies’ second-half slide is the terrific play of third baseman Garrett Atkins. He entered Monday night’s game against the Padres riding an 11-game hitting streak in which he hit .523 (23-for-44), raising his average from .304 to .323, fourth in the National League.
“He’s been our most consistent player, period,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “He’s become a professional hitter and he’s been unflappable. He takes pride in everything he does.”
Atkins’ hitting, as well as his more assured play at third, means the Rockies will explore transforming minor- league hotshot Ian Stewart from third base to the outfield.
MOVING UP: Reliever Nate Field, a graduate of Littleton’s Heritage High School, and catcher JD Closser were called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs and joined the team in San Diego. Pitcher Denny Bautista, part of the trade that sent Ryan Shealy to Kansas City, will join the Rockies when they return home Thursday. Hurdle said there’s a solid chance Bautista will get a start in the final weeks of the season, but said Bautista’s 99 mph fastball makes him an intriguing candidate for the bullpen.
