ST. LOUIS—The Colorado Rockies recalled outfielder Carlos Gonzalez from Triple-A Colorado Springs, but had to scratch him from the lineup because he arrived only an hour before the start of their game against the Cardinals.
Gonzalez, who leads all minor leaguers with 59 RBIs in 48 games, was slated to bat seventh Friday night. He was replaced by Seth Smith.
“He’s done what we’ve asked him to do, probably done that and well beyond that,” manager Jim Tracy said. “So we have to be proactive and get him up here and have him be playing.”
The Rockies also activated right-handed reliever Matt Daley from the 15-day disabled list. Daley missed 17 games with a left foot sprain after stepping on a bat while backing up a throw to home plate.
To make room, the Rockies optioned outfielder Matt Murton to Triple-A Colorado Springs and designated right-hander Jason Grilli for assignment.
The 23-year-old Gonzalez was acquired from Oakland in the Matt Holliday trade and was batting .339 with 10 homers in 48 games.
Murton hit .267 with one homer and six RBIs in 45 at-bats. Grilli was 0-1 with a 6.05 ERA and one save in 22 relief appearances.
