MILWAUKEE — In finding a replacement for the injured Ryan Spilborghs, the Rockies didn’t have to look far. The answer was at a nearby hotel waiting for them.
Outfielder Seth Smith was optioned out before Tuesday’s game after the team added former starting second baseman Jayson Nix back to the roster. But Smith’s flight wasn’t scheduled until Wednesday morning. So he was immediately returned to the active roster for Wednesday night’s game.
A player usually has to wait 10 days to return after he’s sent down. But exceptions are provided when an injury occurs.
Spilborghs was placed on the disabled list with a left oblique strain and returned to Denver for treatment. The nature of the injury makes it possible he could be out for more than a month.
The Rockies are looking to get back on track after losing 7-3 to the Brewers in CC Sabathia’s debut in Milwaukee on Tuesday.
Center fielder Willy Taveras is not in the lineup as a precaution with his left quad injury. Jeff Baker (right wrist injury) is also not starting, but should be available to pinch-hit.
Wednesday’s Rockies lineup:
CF Podsednik
2B Barmes
LF Holliday
3B Atkins
RF Hawpe
C Iannetta
1B Koshansky
SS Quintanilla
LHP Glendon Rusch (1-3, 7.36 ERA)
And the Brewers will start:
RHP Ben Sheets
