PHOENIX — Had the season gone as planned, Ian Stewart would be making a push toward 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. Instead, he’s merely trying to force his way back into the lineup.
After going 4-for-6 with two home runs in a simulated game Wednesday in Tucson, Stewart drove northwest on Interstate 10 and rejoined the Rockies.
Stewart hasn’t played since Aug. 25 after straining a right rib-cage muscle during batting practice. He hasn’t homered since Aug. 23, but his 18 blasts rank third on the team behind Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki.
“I surprised myself a little with how ready I felt (in the simulated game against minor leaguers). But it’s always hard to hit big-league pitching,” Stewart said. “Hopefully, I can get back in there and help.”
The problem is twofold: Melvin Mora, by Stewart’s admission, has “done an outstanding job,” and Stewart has not hit the Giants’ right-handed starters in the upcoming series particularly well. He’s 5-for-25 against Tim Lincecum with 13 strikeouts, and 5-for-22 with a home run off Sunday starter Matt Cain. Mora’s 16 RBIs since Aug. 26 are the most by an NL third baseman.
“It’s too early to tell (on Stewart),” manager Jim Tracy said. “I’d like to find a day for Mora to catch a breather, but it’s pretty hard to justify taking him out, given his contribution.”
Helton rests.
Todd Helton looked at the lineup card and couldn’t hide his disappointment. He thought he would start Thursday, especially after homering in Wednesday’s loss. Jason Giambi took his spot at first base.
“I wanted to give Todd a break and have him available for Lincecum (today),” explained manager Jim Tracy, who noted the team’s travel, morning arrival and earlier start time as additional reasons.
Tulo not 2Low.
If nothing else, Troy Tulowitzki’s major- league journey has taught him humility. After he hit his 14th home run in 15 games last weekend, he said, “I am going to enjoy and savor it because I know the game is not this easy.”
On cue, he slumped in the Diamondbacks series, going 1-for-7 with three strikeouts Tuesday and Wednesday.
“People might make a big deal out of it. It’s only two games,” Tulowitzki said.
Footnotes.
Seth Smith, plodding through a difficult September that has cost him playing time, started for the first time in eight days. Smith remains a dangerous weapon off the bench, his 11 pinch-hit RBIs leading the team. . . . Catcher Chris Iannetta (right calf) made his first start since Sept. 12.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
