MESA, ARIZ. — Jayson Nix is in limbo, at least for a little while.
Although Nix appears to be the front-runner to win the Rockies’ starting second base job, he’s not been told that.
Worse, he tweaked his mid-back just prior to Wednesday’s game against the White Sox. He was scratched from the game and will likely miss a couple of more games. He will not play in this afternoon’s game against the Cubs at HoHoKam Park.
“It feels better after treatment,” Nix said this morning. “It’s a day-to-day thing, but I think it’s going to be fine.”
Asked if he’s had back issues before, Nix said, “Yeah, I have but it’s not a big deal. My muscles tighten up a little bit. It happens a couple times a year, but it goes away in a day or two.”
Nix, Colorado’s top pick in the 2001 draft, is out of options. He knows this is his big chance to secure a spot in the big leagues. But until manager Clint Hurdle tells him he’s won the job and officially made the team, he’s not allowing himself to exhale.
“I haven’t heard anything, and until I do, I don’t have the luxury to think I’ve made it,” he said. “I think I’ve done OK.”
Nix struggled at the plate early in camp but he’s raised his average to .273. Of his six hits, three have been home runs.
Injury updates
Right fielder Brad Hawpe said this morning that his left elbow is pain free. Hawpe tested the elbow with eight at-bats in minor league action Wednesday.
“It feels really good,” Hawpe said. “I think I should be ready to go for this weekend.”
Right-hander Jason Hirsh, who’ll likely open the season on the disabled list, is planning to test his sore shoulder today by playing catch from 120 feet.
“Things are going well, but this is my next big step,” he said. “We’ll see how it goes.”
Patrick Saunders: 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com
