ATLANTA — For a month, Troy Tulowitzki led the fan voting for the All-Star Game. In the final week, the Mets’ Jose Reyes passed him. He did it again Thursday, beating Tulowitzki to the disabled list. Reyes was shelved for 15 days with a hamstring injury. That means Tulo could become the first Rockies position player to start in the All-Star Game since Todd Helton in 2003 — if he can get healthy.
Tulowitzki has not played since straining his right quadriceps Monday night while running to first base. His all-star participation hinges on the next few days.
“Yes, the Rockies are my main focus. If I do not play this weekend, I will not play in the All-Star Game,” Tulowitzki said following Colorado’s 6-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
Tulowitzki inched closer to the lineup Thursday, hitting in the batting cage and doing light running work. He will attempt more quick-burst movements today — those required for fielding and breaking out of the batter’s box. Without a setback, he would be in line to play either Saturday or Sunday. The Rockies have no plans to place him on the DL because that would knock him out for the first series in the second half of the season.
Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, meanwhile, expects to start tonight if his wrist doesn’t swell overnight. Gonzalez took batting practice Wednesday and was a little sore, leaving the Rockies to pull the plug on his return Thursday. The Rockies are undermanned with Tulo and CarGo dealing with injuries.
Outfielder Charlie Blackmon broke a bone in his left foot Thursday, which could sideline him up to eight weeks. Outfielder Cole Garner replaced him, eligible to return without a 10-day minor-league stay because Blackmon was placed on the disabled list.
Helton loses vote.
Despite a late aggressive campaign and media blitz, Todd Helton could not overcome a deficit in the final-man all-star voting. Shane Victorino won, followed by the Dodgers’ Andre Ethier. Helton finished third.
Footnotes.
Atlanta’s Craig Kimbrel made history at the Rockies’ expense. The right-hander recorded his 27th save, the most ever by a rookie by the all-star break. . . . Jonathan Herrera posted his 14th multi-hit game of the season. He has started at shortstop the past three games.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
