One of the Rockies’ most consistent players all season is headed to the 10-day injured list.
Outfielder Raimel Tapia is hampered by a lingering right big toe sprain, manager Bud Black confirmed. Tapia was removed from the lineup prior to Tuesday nightap game at the Houston Astros.
“Where it is (located) doesn’t receive a lot of blood flow. Itap a tough healing injury,” Black said. “Our medical staff thought the best thing to do was to put him on the IL. He wasn’t going to be ready to play in a number of days. … When his time is up, he’ll be fine. Pretty much 100 percent ready to go. But this was a nagging injury that just wasn’t going to heal in a short period of time to keep him active.”
Tapia has a career-high 24 doubles this season. His seven games with multiple doubles lead all MLB players. Tapia is batting .288 with 19 steals.
Motter called up. The Rockies promoted utility man Taylor Motter from Triple-A Albuquerque on Tuesday, the team announced, with Tapia going on the IL.
Motter was recently named Triple-A West player of the week (July 26 to Aug. 1) while hitting .450 with four homers, 14 RBI and five walks. In July, he led all minor leaguers in total bases (79), home runs (15), RBI (35) and OPS (1.578).
“I’m just another guy who is versatile and can hopefully handle myself with the bat,” Motter said. “I want to be a good team guy … in the clubhouse. Get along with everyone and lift guys up.”
Motter, 31, appeared in 141 MLB games from 2016-18 between the Rays, Mariners and Twins. He was the Rockies’ designated hitter on Tuesday against the Astros.
“There’s no doubt he’s put together a good year,” Black said. “Here’s a guy who played himself back to the big leagues based on performance. Itap been a good story to watch him and this season unfold.”
On Deck
Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (2-8, 4.73 ERA) at Astros LHP Framber Valdez (7-3, 3.22)
12:10 p.m. Wednesday, Minute Maid Park
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM
Senzatela is set to make his 19th start of the season. Last Thursday against the Cubs, the right-hander made his first appearance since being reinstated from the COVID-IL. Senzatela allowed four runs on seven hits with one walk and six strikeouts in a no-decision. He has struggled mightily over seven road starts this season at 0-5 with a 6.03 ERA. Colorado is 0-7 in those games. But Senzatela was phenomenal in one previous career start against the Astros last year. He tossed eight scoreless innings in a 2-1 road loss. Framber has been excellent since coming off the IL in late May. The southpaw enters the game with three consecutive victories.
Trending: The Rockies are coming off a 5-1 homestand in which they swept the Miami Marlins in three games. It marked Colorado’s sixth sweep of the season.
At issue: Entering Tuesday night, the Rockies were 5-17 vs. the Astros since 2013 when they moved to the AL. Colorado is 2-8 at Minute Maid Park over that span.
Pitching probables
Thursday: Rockies RHP German Marquez (10-8, 3.42) at Giants RHP Logan Webb (5-3, 3.19), 7:45 p.m., ATTRM
Friday: Rockies LHP Austin Gomber (9-6, 3.79) at Giants RHP Anthony DeSclafani (10-5, 3.28), 7:45 p.m., ATTRM
Saturday: Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (3-6, 4.65) at Giants RHP Johnny Cueto (7-6, 3.89), 7:05 p.m., ATTRM
