Rockies manager Clint Hurdle likes to say baseball is a game devoid of sympathy. Considering the 180-degree turn of events experienced by Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe, that’s certainly apropos.
Saturday night, Atkins hit a three-run homer and Hawpe a two-run shot in Colorado’s 6-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals. But Sunday, in the Royals’ 10-5, 12-inning victory, Atkins struck out with men in scoring position in the ninth and 11th innings. Hawpe grounded into an inning-ending double play in the 11th.
Asked if he was frustrated by Atkins’ and Hawpe’s failures to come through in the clutch, Hurdle said: “We’re all frustrated. They are working, and they are battling to try to get better. They had some shots today, but everybody had some shots today.”
Lopez’s return close
The Rockies got some good news when Rodrigo Lopez made an impressive rehab start for the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox on Saturday night in Sacramento.
“The elbow feels really good, no problems there,” Lopez said Sunday. “I still need to get better, but it had nothing to do with the elbow.”
Lopez threw 64 pitches in 4 2/3 innings, retiring the first 14 batters he faced. He gave up one unearned run, no hits, walked one and struck out two.
“He did some good things, but he still has some things to work on – knock some rust off them,” Hurdle said. “His command was kind of in and out, but he used all of his pitches. It was a good step forward physically, and mentally as well.”
Lopez is scheduled to make another rehab start Thursday and possibly another May 29. However, if things go well in his next start, he could rejoin the big-league club by the end of the week.
“I really don’t want to pitch down in the minors,” he said. “I think I’ll be ready to come back up.”
Who will hit second?
Second baseman Kaz Matsui and reliever LaTroy Hawkins are scheduled to join the Rockies in Arizona tonight. Matsui might be activated for tonight’s game, but Hawkins won’t be moved to the roster until Tuesday.
When Matsui does return, it will be interesting to see where he bats in the lineup. Before going on the disabled list with back spasms, he was hitting .361 in nine games with five steals. He hit primarily from the No. 2 hole, but that’s currently occupied by shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who has been thriving there. General manager Dan O’Dowd would prefer to see Matsui back in the two hole, and possibly move Tulowitzki to fifth or sixth. That’s a decision still pending for Hurdle.
Hawkins passed a critical test by throwing back-to-back rehab stints with the Sky Sox on Friday and Saturday. Other than some normal fatigue, his arm felt good.
