KANSAS CITY — After 10 consecutive games of living on the bases, exacting a toll on his legs, center fielder Willy Taveras will not be in the starting lineup tonight against the Royals.
Ryan Spilborghs replaces him and will hit leadoff. Manager Clint Hurdle felt it was best to give Taveras a break. And with Thursday’s off-day, it will allow Taveras some rest before a weekend series at Detroit.
Spilborghs was expected to take over center field from Taveras two weeks ago. But he slumped at the same time Taveras got hot.
“With the way I have been running, it’s not a bad thing to get some rest,” Taveras said.
The Rockies lost Monday night’s series-opener to the Royals 8-4, and will try to avoid losing their second straight series tonight when left-hander Jorge De La Rosa goes against Zach Greinke.
Tonight’s lineups:
Rockies:
CF Spilborghs
DH Baker
LF Holliday
1B Helton
3B Atkins
RF Hawpe
C Torrealba
SS Tulowitzki
2B Barmes
Royals:
CF De Jesus
2B Aviles
3B Gordon
LF J. Guillen
DH Olivo
RF Teahen
C Buck
1B Gload
SS Peña Jr.
