LOS ANGELES — Seth Smith is fit. That helps explains today’s lineup.
Smith is taking over for Willy Taveras in center field. Rockies manager Clint Hurdle wanted Smith to play the position in spring training, but he reported bigger than expected, precluding the experiment.
“He’s showing he can do it now,” Hurdle said of Smith, who’s making his second career start in center field.
Smith is 2-for-6 on the road trip. He blasted a pinch-hit home run in a win over Washington last weekend. Smith has hit right-handed pitching at a .328 clip. The Rockies face right-hander Derek Lowe in the quick turnaround game, trying to complete a perfect road trip. They have won five straight.
Catcher Chris Iannetta returns to the lineup after missing two games with a bruised left foot, injured when a foul tip struck him in Washington. That means that Adam Melhuse will be sent to Colorado Springs tomorrow, with Scott Podsednik returning. Ryan Spilborghs, out with a left oblique strain, will play five innings today for the Sky Sox.
When the Rockies wander back to Coors Field, they won’t see a familiar face on the mound. Old friend Josh Fogg’s start was moved up to Thursday because of Aaron Harang’s neck stiffness. Fogg and reliever Jeremy Affeldt will receive their National Championship rings in a pregame ceremony beginning at 6:45 p.m.
A look at today’s Rockies lineup:
SS Barmes
CF Smith
LF Holliday
RF Hawpe
1B Atkins
3B Stewart
C Iannetta
2B Baker
LHP De La Rosa
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
