Clint Barmes’ prolonged slump finally forced manager Jim Tracy’s hand.
Barmes returned from a 10-game road trip in a bad stretch of plate appearances, so Tracy inserted Omar Quintanilla at second base Friday night.
Quintanilla started for the first time since May 20. The slick utility infielder called “Q” entered Friday with only 17 at-bats since his last start, and just 37 all season. But he said he’ll shake off the rust and be as productive as possible.
“It is tough, but I am going to go out there and grind it out and try to get some good at-bats.” said Quintanilla, hitting .162 (6-for-37) this season.
Tracy said it was obvious Barmes needed a break.
“He needs to get away from home plate,” Tracy said. “We will need to give him a day or so, maybe a couple of days, just to get away from it.”
Barmes, who was 2-for-33 on the road trip and 2-for-46 since July 21, understands his approach needs fixing.
“The way I’m swinging the bat, I could use some work in the cage,” Barmes said. “I just want to try and get a comfortable feel at the plate. I think my front side is flying open some times, and I’m coming off the ball a little bit.”
Cook update.
Starter Aaron Cook, pulled after five innings Thursday in Philadelphia because of a jammed right big toe, still believes he’ll make his next scheduled start Tuesday against Pittsburgh.
“It’s still sore, but I think I’m doing OK,” said Cook, who was scheduled to meet with the Rockies’ team doctor Friday night.
Embree mending.
Alan Embree still wants to pitch. The 39-year-old lefty reliever said Friday that he’s more determined than ever to return from a devastating leg injury suffered July 10.
“I think I will be ready for the end of the season or the beginning of next year,” said Embree, who is back walking, though he’s using a cane to help aid his balance. “There is no way I want to end my career being taken off the field on a cart. Any retirement thoughts were put on hold because when the game gets taken away, you appreciate it even more.”
Visible scars remain where doctors inserted a titanium rod into his lower right leg. Embree was hit by a line drive off the bat of Atlanta’s Martin Prado on July 10. The blow broke Embree’s tibia.
Footnotes.
Reliever Manuel Corpas plans to begin light throwing in about three or four days. He had bone chips removed from his right elbow July 24. He was originally scheduled to throw last week but said the elbow was too sore. . . . Taylor Buchholz (Tommy John surgery) said he “feels great” and is on schedule to begin light tossing in October. . . . After Friday’s game, the Rockies have 32 home games remaining and 21 road games.
Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post
