Troy Tulowitzki didn’t finesse the answer. He isn’t in tonight’s lineup for a good reason.
“It’s not a work day, I am being benched,” Tulowitzki told The Denver Post. “It’s up to me to get better.”
Clint Barmes, the team’s hottest hitter this season, is starting at shortstop with Jeff Baker getting the nod at second base.
Tulowitzki is struggling this month, hitting .165 in 79 at-bats. Manager Clint Hurdle didn’t rule out sitting Tulowitzki for more than one day and also admitted that he’s considering batting him down in the order – seventh was his most common and productive spot last season – when he does return to the lineup.
“This is not the worst thing that’s going to happen to him,” said Hurdle, explaining that it’s fine line between trying to ignite a player and serving the best interests of a 25-man roster. “It’s not a slap in the face. Players know when they aren’t playing well.”
Hurdle has spoken with Tulowitzki about his offense, specifically on working to slow the game down. He said Monday that the star shortstop would “hit when he stops trying to hit.”
Tulowitzki agreed with that assessment. He admitted that it’s hard not to think about his slump when you look at the “scoreboard and see where your average is at and you want to get it all back in one day.” He has received plenty of support from teammates as he tries to break loose.
“I still think I am headed in the right direction. I will figure it out sooner or later,” Tulowitzki said. “It’s tough. But a lot of people are trying to help. They have all been in this position before.”
A look at the Rockies’ lineup in tonight’s series finale against the Phillies:
CF Willy Taveras
SS Clint Barmes
1B Todd Helton
LF Matt Holliday
3B Garrett Atkins
RF Brad Hawpe
2B Jeff Baker
C Yorvit Torrealba
LHP Jeff Francis
Footnotes
The Denver University ski team, which won the NCAA championship this spring, will be honored before tonight’s game. The Rockies face the Cubs tomorrow in the beginning of a two-game series. It’s the Cubs only visit to Denver this season.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
