SAN DIEGO — As the Rockies’ offense trudged through quicksand last week, prompting calls for the team to add a bat, owner Dick Monfort said there would be an internal move first.
“We are trying to get Dexter (Fowler) back up here,” Monfort told The Denver Post.
Tuesday, the Rockies recalled the outfielder from Triple-A, according to a major league source close to the player. Fowler tore up Triple-A pitching, batting .340 in 27 games.
“It was a good experience. It allowed me to get some regular at-bats, which helped my timing, especially left-handed,” Fowler said. “It’s always good to be back here, to help us win during this critical time.”
In a corresponding roster move, infielder Chris Nelson was sent down to Triple-A.
Nelson, called up when Troy Tulowitzki was placed on the disabled list with a broken left wrist, hasn’t played much given Jonathan Herrera’s emergence. Herrera has taken over as the starting second baseman, hitting .292 and performing well in the leadoff spot.
The Colorado Springs Gazette was the first to report Fowler’s call-up.
Fowler hit .216 in 47 games with Colorado while struggling as a left-handed batter (.162) but doing well from the right side (.350). He gives the Rockies added flexibility given some nagging injuries. Right-fielder Brad Hawpe (ribs) pinch-hit last night, his first playing time since running into a retaining wall last Friday in Anaheim. He thought he might be able to start tonight, but it depends on his ability to throw.
First baseman Todd Helton was scratched from Monday’s lineup with back spasms and leg pain. Teammates said he was feeling better during the team’s 10-6 victory over the Padres that pulled Colorado to within five games of the National League West leader.
Manager Jim Tracy said the first baseman was “run down” from playing in long, high intensity games against the Red Sox and Angels on Thursday and Friday.
“He will get another day if he needs it,” said Tracy of Helton, who is listed as day-to-day with back spasms.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
