San Francisco – Willy Taveras can quickly change a lineup with his speed.
The center fielder will rejoin the Rockies in Phoenix tonight and is expected to be activated. Colorado is 42-40 when Taveras starts, including a 41-38 mark in center field.
More important, Taveras, when paired with Kazuo Matsui, gives the Rockies two of the division’s fastest players and stolen-base threats.
“It’s a huge loss when he’s gone,” said Matsui, who shares the team lead with Taveras with 29 stolen bases.
A catalytic force in the first half, Taveras’ impact has been dampened since the all-star break because of a right-quadriceps injury that landed him on the disabled list.
Taveras was on a Triple-A rehab assignment and performed well with no leg problems.
Taveras is batting .311 but has hit just .263 in the second half with nine stolen bases.
His absence was less noticeable when Ryan Spilborghs and Cory Sullivan were hot, but both have cooled off. Lose this series and the Rockies are likely finished as contenders.
“We have to think of these as must-win games,” third baseman Garrett Atkins said.
Footnotes
Triple-A relievers Juan Morillo and Dan Serafini are expected to be called up Saturday. Outfielder Seth Smith was in line for a promotion but dislocated his shoulder this week. … Reliever Jorge Julio said he would like to re-sign with the Rockies as a free agent. “I like the team and I like the city.”… Elmer Dessens could fill a long relief role when Aaron Cook takes his rotation spot next Friday. … Catcher Geronimo Gil cleared waivers and elected to return to Mexico.
