PITTSBURGH — Dexter Fowler was left out against a left-hander Sunday because he needs to get his swing right.
Rockies manager Clint Hurdle is working with Fowler on his left-handed swing, lowering his hands to get him into a better “load position” as the pitch approaches the plate.
There are no tweaks being made to his right-handed swing, but Hurdle wanted Fowler to get a “work day.” Fowler is hitting .196 this month with 16 strikeouts. The K’s are becoming a concern, particularly since Fowler hits leadoff.
“I am trying to work on that. It’s a process,” said Fowler, who returns home to Atlanta tonight.
The Rockies have been careful not to let Fowler bury himself offensively. But he needs to get back on track. The Rockies have Triple-A options pushing the envelope, namely Carlos Gonzalez, the centerpiece of the Matt Holliday trade.
Trade talk.
The Rockies’ outfield depth has caught the attention of other teams. The Red Sox like Matt Murton and Ryan Spilborghs, an American League source confirmed Sunday. But nothing is brewing.
In the past, the Rockies repeatedly have asked for young pitching in exchange for Spilborghs — the Red Sox are loaded, starting with Clay Buchholz — which has tempered interest.
Helton sits. History can wait.
On the brink of 2,000 hits, Todd Helton sat out Sunday’s game as a concession to his surgically repaired back. He was fatigued and wants to ward off potential lingering leg soreness. Helton gets a great matchup tonight with Atlanta’s Derek Lowe. He is 13-for-36 (.361), with one home run, in his career against the right-hander.
“It was just time for a day,” Helton said. “Lowe has a good sinker and slider. It will be a challenge.”
Helton will have family in attendance, including his wife, Christy.
Footnotes.
Former No. 1 pick Greg Reynolds, who has made just one Triple-A start this season, received an anti-inflammatory injection last week to ease the pain underneath his right scapula. There’s no timetable yet for his return. Greg Smith (shoulder) pitched well in his first minor-league rehab start and will pitch again Tuesday. He is a few weeks from a potential big-league promotion.
