On the 46th day, Garrett Atkins rested. The only player to start every game for the Rockies this season, Atkins was given a planned day off, replaced in the lineup by Jeff Baker. Said Atkins: “I figured I wasn’t going to play 162. It’s a chance to rest the body up and get ready to go (today).” Baker made a dazzling defensive play to retire Justin Upton to end the third inning.
Center of attention.
Ryan Spilborghs started a third consecutive game — his second straight in center — after rapping out four hits in two games. When Willy Taveras, the regular center fielder, was asked how he was doing, Taveras said: “Not well. But I am hanging in there.”
Left-handed complement.
The Rockies have had multiple talks about signing free-agent left-hander Glendon Rusch, according to agent Dan Evans. Rusch, who nearly joined the Rockies last winter, has gone 1-2 with a 6.41 ERA in 12 games with the Padres this season.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
