One of Clint Hurdle’s pet sayings is, “It takes courage to have patience.”
When it comes to struggling 33-year-old pitcher Livan Hernandez, the Rockies’ manager must be very brave indeed.
Though Hernandez has failed to give the rotation a boost and help propel the Rockies into the National League West race, Hurdle is not yanking him from the starting rotation.
“He’s still in,” Hurdle said Saturday.
In fact, Hurdle said Hernandez is being evaluated to see if he fits into Colorado’s plans for 2009, even though Hernandez’s contract expires at the end of this season.
“We also wanted to look and see if he could be a piece to be kept in play for next season, to fall into the rotation and be the guy that he’s been over the history of his career,” Hurdle said.
Friday night, however, the veteran right-hander allowed eight hits and six earned runs in 3 2/3 innings in Colorado’s 8-5 loss to the Reds. In three starts since joining the Rockies on Aug. 10, Hernandez has a 15.32 ERA. In his two Coors Field starts, Hernandez has allowed 15 runs in 6 1/3 innings.
But Hurdle said the pitcher will get more time.
“We don’t make Band-Aid decisions here,” Hurdle said. “We don’t make short-term decisions. We brought him in with a two-fold purpose. He hasn’t gotten out of the blocks the way he wanted to or we wanted him to, but that being said, we were in a bad position when he got here.”
Helton update.
Todd Helton said his problematic lower back was “feeling much better,” and said he’ll accompany the Rockies on their six-game, seven-day road trip that begins Monday in San Francisco.
Helton, on the 60-day disabled list, has not swung a bat recently, but plans to “in the next few days.” That will be a major test. Helton did take part in limited infield drills before Saturday’s game. On the disabled list since July 3, Helton has missed 46 games. He’s eligible to return Sept. 1.
Footnotes.
Hurdle is not ready to divulge what players the Rockies will call up from the minor leagues on Sept. 1. . . . Troy Tulowitzki didn’t start at shortstop Saturday. Instead, Clint Barmes got the start and Jeff Baker started at second.
Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post
