With Todd Helton out indefinitely, the Rockies called up prospect Ian Stewart today. Stewart will play primarily at third base while making Garrett Atkins the new first baseman.
Manager Clint Hurdle said Helton’s absence motivated this move. It will give Stewart his first extended look at third base. The decision to go with Atkins was made, Hurdle said, because first base is Jeff Baker’s “least comfortable position.”
Atkins has played first base a handful of times this season, but hasn’t spent regular time there since his days at UCLA.
Stewart takes Jayson Nix’s roster spot. Nix was designated for assignment for two reasons: He has struggled offensively and if he clears waivers by early next week, he will eligible to participate for the U.S. Olympic team.
Olympic team officials contacted the Rockies recently to say they were interested in Nix, who was ineligible as long as he was on a major-league roster.
“He was in an iffy position here, so it just didn’t make sense to wait and prevent him having that opportunity,” Hurdle said.
Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is expected to be activated Monday, with Joe Koshansky the likely odd man out with Atkins manning first base.
