Christmas weather in May could provide an unexpected gift for the Rockies. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki might miss only one game because of a strained right quadriceps if the soggy conditions persist today at Coors Field.
Tulowitzki injured his leg Sunday in Los Angeles, sat out Monday and would not have been used Tuesday. He has not ruled out playing today, although a wet field would dramatically reduce the chances, after passing strength tests and taking batting practice indoors.
“It feels much better. You never know,” said Tulowitzki, who his batting .311 with one home run and 14 RBIs.
Francis update.
Jeff Francis (soreness under his left armpit) will be in Denver today to be evaluated after a strong, seven-inning scoreless performance for Double-A Tulsa on Tuesday. Francis topped out at 89 mph with his fastball and demonstrated his best command since his final spring training outing.
“He’s getting close to being back,” manager Jim Tracy said.
De La Rosa update.
There is anxiousness in his voice and on his face.
“I want to start throwing,” said De La Rosa, who has been sidelined since April 27 because of a torn pulley tendon in his left middle finger.
He will get his wish. Rockies trainer Keith Dugger said De La Rosa will get another MRI today and, if clean, will begin playing catch later this week.
Footnotes.
Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez will be activated off the bereavement list today, requiring a roster move. . . . Tracy said catcher Chris Iannetta is “making progress” toward returning with his strong offensive showing in Triple-A. Starting catcher Miguel Olivo is in a 2-for-28 slump at the plate, a problem he traces to becoming too pull-conscious. . . . Reliever Taylor Buchholz will stop off for an examination in Denver on his way to joining the Triple-A Sky Sox. His surgically repaired elbow has responded well during his rehab assignment.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
