Yorvit Torrealba has lost his starting job, but not his desire to help the Rockies. After 10 days of dealing with a balky left knee, Torrealba was scratched from Thursday’s lineup and told that he has a torn meniscus. His options: surgery that would likely end his season or a cortisone shot. He didn’t hesitate.
“I want to keep playing. I know people say that the past is the past and that something like last year can’t happen again,” said Torrealba, who is unsure when he suffered his injury. “But I really believe we are in this race.”
Torrealba has the weekend to show improvement or he will be placed on the disabled list. Triple-A catcher Adam Melhuse, in his second tour with the Rockies after a seven-year absence, was promoted to back up Chris Iannetta. Melhuse hit .317 with three home runs for the Sky Sox in 29 games.
“I will be ready for anything,” said Melhuse, who broke camp with the Texas Rangers this season before losing his spot when he broke his right wrist.
Sunday Cook-out possible.
If Aaron Cook has his way, his skipped turn in the rotation will turn into a three-day interruption. Cook threw a successful side session Thursday, experiencing no discomfort in the stiff back that has bothered him since the all-star break.
“It felt great. I hope to pitch Sunday (at Washington),” said Cook, who leads the Rockies with 14 wins, three shy of the team’s single-season record.
Pitching coach Bob Apodaca said either Cook or Ubaldo Jimenez will go Sunday with the other working Tuesday in Los Angeles.
Atkins returns.
Five pounds lighter, Garrett Atkins returned to the clubhouse after an ugly battle with strep throat. Atkins did not start but entered the game in the fifth inning on a double-switch and later singled.
“There’s nothing worse than watching,” Atkins said. “You don’t even feel like part of the team.”
No Holliday off.
Matt Holliday’s energy has been impossible to ignore during this homestand. At a time when legs get heavy and bats get slow, Holliday appears to be getting stronger. In the last week, he has beaten out an infield hit, broken up repeated double plays and continued his trek toward a second consecutive batting title.
“That’s why I work so hard in the offseason, to feel good right now,” Holliday said.
Footnotes.
Willy Taveras stole his 53rd base in 59 attempts, equaling Eric Young’s 12-year-old franchise record. . . . Clint Barmes took groundballs at first base before the game, adding another potential position to his super utility role.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
