SAN DIEGO — Dexter Fowler is back with the Rockies. And he came back to be a center fielder, not a spectator.
After batting .340 in 27 games at Triple-A, Fowler returned to the starting lineup Tuesday, hitting leadoff. Manager Jim Tracy made it clear that Fowler will play, shifting Carlos Gonzalez to a corner spot, while creating better matchups for Ryan Spilborghs and Seth Smith.
“We have two center fielders now no matter how you want to slice it. Dexter has to get playing time,” Tracy said. “And now we can use Spilly and Smith for all the situations that make sense for them.”
Fowler gives the Rockies a more traditional leadoff hitter than Jonathan Herrera — if Fowler can reach base consistently. He was farmed out last month after hitting .216, including .162 from the left side.
“Getting at-bats every day helped my timing, especially left-handed with the toe tap,” said Fowler, who has hit .350 from the right side. “It was a positive experience, a chance to get better.”
Gonzalez, who is pushing for an all-star berth, has played center field as well anyone in the National League this season. He insisted he has no problem with switching positions.
“It just means we have two guys out there covering all that ground. The hitters have no chance,” he said with a smile.
To make room for Fowler, the Rockies optioned infielder Chris Nelson to the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Nelson, who wasn’t playing because of Herrera’s strong showing, will play primarily at second and third base in the minors.
“(Nelson) is on the radar now, and he will be back,” Tracy said.
Helton, Hawpe healing.
First baseman Todd Helton sat out his second consecutive game because of soreness in his back and legs. He didn’t swing a bat, but he lifted weights Tuesday and expects to start today.
“I don’t think it’s anything to be concerned about. I just didn’t have any strength (after a heavy workload the previous week),” Helton said.
Brad Hawpe likely will join Helton in the lineup today. His sore ribs have healed, but he will be careful when throwing.
Footnotes.
First-round draft pick Kyle Parker expects to make a decision in the next two weeks whether he will sign with the Rockies. They are open to letting him continue his football career at Clemson, which increases the likelihood he will agree to contract terms. . . . Rockies hitting coach Don Baylor said he has not been contacted by the Orioles regarding their manager job.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
