PHILADELPHIA — All Jordan Pacheco does is hit. And for most rookies, that would be enough. But he plays third base, which by definition requires power.
So, while leading all NL rookies in batting average (.307), Pacheco has just four home runs.
“Of course I’d like to hit more. Ever since the day you start Little League, there’s nothing better than rounding the bases,” Pacheco said. “I have talked to some of the guys about letting my swing go a little more.”
Pacheco entered Sunday with 32 extra-base hits. He has improved dramatically at third base after having been sent down at one point to improve his defense, even though he looks more comfortable at first base.
“It just came down to getting more reps,” said Pacheco, who plays with the passion and joy of a kid.
Pacheco’s position is uncertain going forward — he can play corner spots and catch — but his future shouldn’t be. He has proved he can hit in the big leagues, which should get him a roster spot next year.
“He has versatility,” manager Jim Tracy said. “And you can’t say enough about how he has performed offensively.”
Tulo’s tour. Troy Tulowitzki played for Double-A Tulsa on Sunday, which lost to Springfield 3-1 to end its season. The shortstop went 1-for-4 with a single. He likely will return to Denver to be re-evaluated. Given his recent activity, he’s more likely to be activated later in the week, possibly Friday. The Rockies have taken a cautious day-to-day approach, leading to flexibility in Tulo’s schedule.
Footnotes. Chris Nelson survived a sixth-inning collision with Ryan Howard in the first game as he tried to reach first base. Nelson was ruled out and remained in the game. Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
Upcoming Rockies Pitching Matchups
Monday: Giants’ Ryan Vogelsong (12-7, 3.29 ERA) at Rockies’ Alex White (2-8, 5.31), 6:40 p.m., ROOT
Tuesday: Giants’ Madison Bumgarner (14-10, 3.15) at Rockies’ Jhoulys Chacin (2-5, 4.50), 6:40 p.m. ROOT
Wednesday: Giants’ Tim Lincecum (8-14, 5.11) at Rockies’ Jeff Francis (5-4, 5.38), 6:40 p.m., ROOT
Thursday: Off
Friday: Rockies’ Tyler Chatwood (4-4, 5.53) at Padres’ Andrew Cashner (3-3, 3.46), 8:05 p.m., ROOT
