ATLANTA — The Rockies’ recent slump and Livan Hernandez’s poor performance lead manager Clint Hurdle to remove the veteran from the starting rotation today, replacing him with rookie Greg Reynolds.
For the third time in six outing with the Rockies, Hernandez failed to work five innings in Wednesday’s loss. Reynolds worked a scoreless inning in relief, and will be looking to gain momentum to enter spring training as a candidate for the starting rotation.
“We weren’t getting the results we wanted or that he wanted when we made the move (to get him),” Hurdle said before tonight’s game at Atlanta. “I told him it’s not for a lack of effort. He’s been very professional since he’s been here, especially in working with Ubaldo (Jimenez) and Jorge (De La Rosa). I just asked for him to continue that as we go forward.”
Hernandez will be used in long relief. Hurdle indicated there also is a chance Jason Hirsh will get a start before the season ends Sept. 28.
Reynolds’ change was not the only one for the Rockies today as Willie Taveras returned to the leadoff spot for the first time in two weeks. Hurdle said they want to get a final look at Taveras in that spot as they determine whether he fits there next season.
Todd Helton hit off live pitching this afternoon, testing his back injury. Hurdle called the batting session “encouraging.” Depending on how Helton feels Friday, he soon could be activated.
A look at tonight’s Rockies lineup:
CF Taveras
2B Baker
LF Holliday
RF Hawpe
1B Atkins
3B Stewart
C Iannetta
SS Tulowitzki
P Jimenez
