The Rockies couldn’t keep corner outfielder Matt Murton down on the farm for long, not with him hitting .411 (30-for-73) with six doubles, four home runs and 19 RBIs this season for Triple-A Colorado Springs.
And after utility man Jeff Baker suffered a left-hand sprain Sunday, and the Rockies put Baker on the disabled list today, the team added Murton to the 25-man roster.
Murton will be available for today’s game against the Padres.
Baker’s placement on the 15-day DL is retroactive to Monday. He hurt his hand swinging the bat in a game against the Dodgers.
Murton, 27, currently ranks third in the Pacific Coast League in batting average, is tied for second in hits, is second in on-base percentage (.476), third in slugging percentage (.658) and second in runs (18).
Murton has not played in a major league game since July 26, 2008, vs. the Texas Rangers while a member of the Oakland A’s. The Rockies traded for Murton in exchange for minor-league infielder Corey Wimberly on February 4.
Baker is is hitting .130 (3-for-23) in just 12 games this season. He last played on April 26 as the Rockies starting third baseman. In that game, he had knocked in three runs with a bases-loaded triple. He’ll be eligible to come off the disabled list on May 12 vs. Houston.
