Don’t be surprised to see shortstop Troy Tulowitzki get some time off in the near future and be replaced by utilityman Jamey Carroll. Although the Rockies love Tulowitzki’s infield play and his potential at the plate, they don’t want him buried by bad early-season numbers or ultra-high expectations. After going 0-for-3 with a strikeout Sunday, Tulowitzki is hitting .208 with a team-high nine strikeouts in 24 at-bats. “I’m going to let his actions play out,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “I think there are going to be spots where Carroll matches up a little better against some pitchers. But I want to continue to push (Tulowitzki) into some growth and some leadership out there.”
WALK-OFF MISERY: When it comes to nail-biters, the Padres have the Rockies’ number. Sunday marked the second game in a row in which the Padres pulled out a victory in their final at-bat, and four of the Rockies’ past five losses at Petco Park have been walk-off defeats. On Sept. 4 of last season, the Rockies lost 7-5 on a ninth-inning homer by Josh Barfield. Two days later, they lost 2-0 on a walk-off homer by Paul McAnulty in the 11th inning.
HAWPE HITS PEAVY: The Rockies managed just five hits, and Brad Hawpe went 2-for-4 and drove in the Rockies’ only run. He went 2-for-3 against Padres starter Jake Peavy, hiking his career average against the San Diego ace to .455 (5-for-11) with four RBIs. “I enjoy the challenge of facing tough guys like Peavy and (Arizona’s) Brandon Webb,” Hawpe said. “It takes all of your concentration.”
