ATLANTA — For the first time since the end of the 2006 season, the Rockies won’t be playing meaningful games. With the carrot of the playoffs no longer dangling in front of their nose, the challenge remains to keep their appetite for winning.
Manager Clint Hurdle doesn’t believe it will be an issue when the Rockies begin a three-game home series Friday against the division-leading Dodgers.
“I don’t expect anything to change. If it does, it will be addressed. It’s not an entitlement to play here, it’s a privilege,” said Hurdle, whose team must go 15-0 over its remaining games to post a winning record. “We have things to accomplish. And these players hold themselves accountable.”
Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who has never been on a losing team in his life, admitted that the players’ response is important over the final three weeks.
“The biggest thing is that if we aren’t going to make the playoffs is not to let down. We have to go out and play the game the right way, and not just have your own agenda,” said Tulowitzki, who lifted his average to .248 with a 2-for-4 performance Thursday. “I have no doubt that we will keep on fighting.”
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
