AND ARE DOING WELLLosing shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to injury was a major blow, but the combination of Clint Barmes at short and Omar Quintanilla at second has deadened the pain.
Quintanilla, called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs after Tulowitzki tore a tendon in his left quadriceps eight games ago, had a career-high three hits Thursday, extending his hitting streak to a career-high six games, during which he has hit .400. Barmes, batting .313, hit a two-run double in the first.
“As a player, you want to stay up and play every day,” Quintanilla said. “I just came up with an attitude of have fun and see where it takes me.”
There was never any question about Quintanilla’s magic with the glove, but in three previous stints with the Rockies, his big-league average was a combined .216.
“I feel a lot more confident, and I’m more aggressive on pitches I can hit,” he said.
Barmes and Quintanilla played together in Colorado Springs most of last season, and their teamwork up the middle infield has made losing Tulowitzki more palatable.
“We’re very comfortable playing together,” Barmes said. “It’s not surprising to me. I thought we did a great job last year. I think we led almost all of Triple-A baseball in double plays.”
Torrealba sits.
For the second straight day, catcher Yorvit Torrealba was not in the lineup after being told previously he would be. His absence Thursday led Hurdle to delay posting the lineup so he could discuss the situation with Torrealba. After the meeting, Torrealba was disappointed but bit his tongue.
“It’s all good,” said Torrealba, who hasn’t started since Saturday. “I have no comment (on not starting).”
Redman’s role.
Pitcher Mark Redman is not worried about the possibility of being let go Tuesday, before his full salary becomes guarantee. He told the Rockies in the spring he would go to the minor leagues if necessary; he could have refused that assignment based on his service time. For now, he is in the bullpen.
“I need to help this team any way I can,” he said. “I don’t think the contract status is the situation. They told me at the beginning of the year that they think I am versatile enough to start or pitch in relief.”
Footnotes.
Injured starter Jason Hirsh (strained muscle in his right rotator cuff) is scheduled to throw a light bullpen Saturday and then will throw to hitters for the first time Tuesday.
Patrick Saunders and Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
