Results tagged ‘ Jonathan Herrera ’
Tracy says Rockies’ Colvin has earned increased opportunity
The idea that outfielder Tyler Colvin is strictly a backup for the Rockies could be changing.
Colvin started in center field, instead of Dexter Fowler, on Saturday against the Dodgers, and manager Jim Tracy said Colvin — hitting .314 with two home runs and 10 RBIs – has earned greater opportunity to start. The Rockies aren’t going away from left fielder Carlos Gonzalez, who leads the team in home runs with seven and RBIs with 26, or right fielder Michael Cuddyer, who is hitting .286 with four homers and is tied with first baseman Todd Helton for second in RBIs with 21.
That means Colvin’s starts will come at the expense of Fowler, who is hitting .223 with four homers and 14 RBIs.
Fowler has a .311 on-base percentage and 27 strikeouts in 94 at-bats, and has had two errors and a couple of defensive miscues. Actually, Colvin has an outfield error and 19 strikeouts in 51 at-bats, so he has statistical challenges as well.
“In any given situation he’s made the most of it, whether it’s starting a game, coming off the bench,” Tracy said. “We’ve gotten quality at-bats from him as a starter. He’s done a terrific job as a left-handed pinch-hitter.
“You’ve got to get him out there tonight. He’s pushing the envelope for more time. When a player does that, you have to be mindful of it and create additional opportunities for him to play. He is making a strong statement for himself to get more at-bats than he’s gotten to this point. We’re doing what’s in his best interest and also our baseball team’s best interest in getting him additional opportunity.”
ROCKIES LINEUP
2B Marco Scutaro
3B Jonathan Herrera
LF Carlos Gonzalez
SS Troy Tulowitzki
1B Todd Helton
RF Michael Cuddyer
CF Tyler Colvin
C Wilin Rosario
RHP Juan Nicasio
DODGERS LINEUP
SS Dee Gordon
2B Mark Ellis
CF Matt Kemp
RF Andre Ethier
LF Bobby Abreu
3B Juan Uribe
1B James Loney
C A.J. Ellis
RHP Aaron Harang
Helton welcomes Hudson to Coors Field
This has been a beautiful day in Denver. The temperature on the Coors Field scoreboard reads 86, the breeze is gentle.
But forgive Braves pitcher Tim Hudson if he thinks he has just arrived at prison and the Rockies’ Todd Helton is the warden.
Hudson is 0-2 with a 7.77 ERA in four career starts at Coors. And Helton is 9-for-1o against Hudson at his home.
What’s funny is the numbers are the total opposite at Turner Field, where Helton is 4-0 with a 1.84 ERA in four career starts against the Rockies, and has held Helton to 1-for-5.
The Rockies have brought up onetime White Sox right-hander Carlos Torres, who went 2-1 with a 2.88 ERA in five starts at Triple-A Colorado Springs. Torres, 29, will be used as a long man in the bullpen. Depending on how he’s used the next couple of days, he could be called upon to start Tuesday against the Padres if right-hander Jeremy Guthrie is not ready to return from a recent shoulder injury.
Guthrie, by the way, threw a touch-and-feel bullpen session today and will face hitters at Coors before Saturday night’s game with the Braves.
Braves veteran Chipper Jones announced this spring that this would be his final season. He’s going out with a blast. The Braves have gone 11-2 with him in the starting lineup and Jones has had at least one hit in eight of those 13 starts. He’s hitting second for the Braves tonight.
As Mark Bowman of MLB.com notes, Jones batted just .191 with a home run and a .623 OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) in his first 11 regular season games at Coors Field. Since then, however, Jones has batted .356 with 11 home runs and a 1.104 OPS in his past 46 road games against the Rockies. No wonder he has shaken off a sore left knee to be in the lineup tonight.
Rockies center fielder Dexter Fowler grew up in the Atlanta area, and the stats suggest he still loves the Braves. Fowler has batted .306 in 20 career games against the Braves. Helton (.332), the sizzling Carlos Gonzalez (.318) and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (.311) also are better than .300 against the Braves.
Now for the lineups.
BRAVES
1. Michael Bourn, CF (.321, 0 HR, 6 RBIs)
2. Chipper Jones, 3B (.273, 4 HR, 14 RBIs)
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B (.280, 4 HR, 19 RBIs)
4. Brian McCann, C (.241, 5 HR, 14 RBIs)
5. Dan Uggla, 2B (.265, 3 HR, 15 RBIs)
6. Jason Heyward, RF (.272, 2 HR, 11 RBIs)
7. Eric Hinske, LF (.357, 0 HR, 4 RBIs)
8. Jack Wilson, SS (.138, 0 HR, 3 RBIs)
9. Tim Hudson, RHP (1-0, 3.60 ERA)
ROCKIES
1. Marco Scutaro, 2B (.275, 0 HR, 1 RBI)
2. Jonathan Herrera, 3B (.265, 1 HR, 3 RBIs)
3. Carlos Gonzalez, LF (.310, 7 HRs, 23 RBIs)
4. Troy Tulowtizki, SS (.280, 3 HR, 13 RBIs)
5. Todd Helton, 1B (.236, 4 HR, 17 RBIs)
6. Michael Cuddyer, RF (.282, 2 HR, 12 RBIs)
7. Ramon Hernandez, C (.279, 4 HR, 14 RBIs)
8. Dexter Fowler, CF (.240, 4 HR, 11 RBIs)
9. Guillermo Moscoso, RHP (0-1, 10.80 ERA)
Ready or not, Rockies’ Brothers must be right as he faces Dodgers
After a slump of about a week and a half, Rockies left-handed relief pitcher Rex Brothers appears to be in better sorts. In his last three appearances, he has thrown three scoreless innings with seven strikeouts, two hits and no walks.
Brothers will need to be at top form with the Dodgers invading Coors Field on Monday night for the opener of a three-game series.
Leading the Dodgers, whose 16-6 record matches 1981 for tthe best start in franchise history, is Matt Kemp, who has a franchise-record 11 April homers and is the early frontrunner for National League Most Valuable Player. In tight, late situations, manager Jim Tracy will not let Kemp beat the Rockes.
In close, late situations, expect Tracy to walk Kemp and let Brothers face Andre Ethier, who is no slouch with five home runs and 24 RBIs — which ties him with memp for the National League lead. Still, that left-on-left matchup is one the Rockies would rather have.
“The deal with Rex Brothers yesterday was to get him right or get him much closer,” Tracy said. “As a matter of fact, he might be there, but monitoring every pitch that he threw yesterday to make sure that there’s availability for this specific situation.”
When Tracy managed the Dodgers a few years back, Kemp was a top Minor League prospect who impressed him during some Spring Training cameo appearances. Kemp went through a difficult 2010 season, but last year he realized his potential and finished second to the Brewers’ Ryan Braun in National League Most Valuable Player voting. Tracy said Kemp should be proud of his growth.
“I tip my cap to the guy,” Tracy said. “When you have young kids that hang on everything that goes on at the Major League level and have an opportunity to identify with a player like this, both character-wise and physically, that’s refreshing.”
Tracy rested right fielder Michael Cuddyer for just the second time this season. Tyler Colvin started in right field. The lineup also has Jonathan Herrera hitting second and playing third base, because Tracy wants to give Chris Nelson a day off because he had fought through left wrist soreness last week. Tracy also said that at some point in the three-game series with the Dodgers, Herrera will start at second base and Marco Scutaro will rest.
Dodgers lineup
Dee Gordon, SS (.207, 0 HR, 4 RBIs)
Mark Ellis, 2B (.247, 0 HR, 2 RBIs)
Matt Kemp, CF (.425, 11 HR, 24 RBIs)
Andre Ethier, RF (.277, 5 HR, 24 RBIs)
James Loney, 1B (.227, 1 HR, 6 RBIs)
Tony Gwynn Jr., LF (.242, 0 HRs, 2 RBIs)
A.J. Ellis, C (.277, 5 HRs, 24 RBIs)
Aaron Harang, RHP (1-1, 5.16 ERA)
Rockies lineup
Marco Scutaro, 2B (.247, 0 HR, 1 RBI)
Jonathan Herrera, 3B (.296, 1 HR, 3 RBIs)
Carlos Gonzalez, RF (.288, 4 HR, 16 RBIs)
Troy Tulowitzki, SS (.284, 3 HR, 11 RBIs)
Todd Helton, 1B (.270, 4 HRs, 16 RBIs)
Ramon Hernandez, C (.241, 4 HR, 12 RBIs)
Tyler Colvin, RF (.297, 1 HR, 6 RBIs)
Dexter Fowler, CF (.250, 4 HRs, 10 RBIs)
Juan Nicasio, RHP (1-0, 4.76 ERA)
Rockies trainer was first to see Nicasio’s comeback coming
When a player is injured, the team’s head atheltic trainer knows more about the injury, rehab and chances of a comeback better than anyone, save for a doctor. Rockies head athetic trainer Keith Dugger was the first to see pitcher Juan Nicasio’s miracle return from a broken neck — which culminates with his start against the Astros on Sunday afternoon — coming.
Dugger watched in amazement during the winter as Nicasio, who suffered the injury (along with a fractured skull) when he was hit in the head with a line drive by the Nationals’ Ian Desmond and tumbled to the mound last Aug. 5, threw pitches in the Dominican Republic, with no effects from neck surgery and no referred pain in his muscles. When general manager Dan O’Dowd called and asked if Nicasio would be ready by June, Dugger was the first to say it could be long before that.
In Spring Training, Nicasio proved Dugger correct.
“I was more worried about Spring Training,” Dugger said. “But after that first comebacker [a line drive that buzzed past him in his first spring appearance], I knew we were home free.
“And I think once he gets through a start in Denver, back on the mound where he got injured, he’ll be completely over it.”
Manager Jim Tracy said Nicasio is “way past what happened.”
Nicasio will be backed by a lineup full of changes, as Dexter Fowler, Todd helton, Ramon Hernandez and Marco Scutaro rest.
Rockies batting order
Tyler Colvin, CF
Jordan Pacheco, 3B
Carlos Gonzalez, LF
Troy Tulowitzki, SS
Jason Giambi, 1B
Michael Cuddyer, RF
Wilin Rosario, C
Jonathan Herrera, 2B
Juan Nicasio, P
Astros lineup
Jordan Schafer, CF
Jose Altuve, 2B
J.D. Martinez, LF
Carlos Lee, 1B
Brian Bogusevic, RF
Chris Johnson, 3B
Jason Castro, C
Marwin Gonzalez, SS
Bud Norris, P
Cuddyer back in lineup
Rockies right fielder Micahel Cuddyer returned to the lineup today, against the Mariners, for the first time since being hit in the hand with a pitch from the Rangers’ Yu Darvish on Friday night.
Cuddyer was originally scheduled to play Sunday against the Indians, but was scratched before the game.
“[Sunday] I picked up the bat and swung a little bit, and only took about five swings and was afraid this thing was going to blow up again,” Cuddyer said. “I wanted to take yesterday to see if I could do it. I hit, and there was no problem.”
Cuddyer said he is excited for Friday night’s opener at Houston, after playing all or parts of the last 11 seasons with the Twins.
“For Opening Day, I was always anxious, nervous, butterflies,” Cuddyer said. “I get butterflies for every game. Now, being with a new team, new fan base, new organization, new league, I almost feel like a rookie again. In Houston, I’ll be facing three pitchers and I’ve only faced one of them before — like, three at-bats.
“Feeling like a rookie again is fun.”
Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was out for the second straight day after being hit on the left elbow by the Indians’ Ubaldo Jimenez — who was issued a five-game suspension and undisclosed fine after Major League Baseball determined that the act was intentional. Tulowitzki was to hit in the batting cage today.
Here is the Rockies’ lineup for today’s next-to-last Cactus League game:
Marco Scutaro, SS
Dexter Fowler, CF
Carlos Gonzalez, LF
Michael Cuddyer, RF
Todd Helton, 1B
Jason Giambi, DH
Ramon Hernandez, C
Jordan Pacheco, 3B
Jonathan Herrera, 2B
Rockies pitching for today:
Juan Nicasio, RHP
Matt Belisle, RHP
Rafael Betancourt, RHP
Rex Brothers, LHP
Rockies roster set
Rockies manager Jim Tracy announced his Opening Day roster on Monday, although there will be some changes in the early days of the season. Left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz won’t be activated until April 15, when he is scheduled to pitch, and lefty Jamie Moyer won’t be activated until he starts Saturday against the Astros.
One spot is up in the air. Left-handed reliever Josh Outman is battling food poisoning. If he won’t be ready for Friday, the Rockies will have to make an adjustment by bringing back right-hander Alex White, who was optioned to the Minors on Monday.
Tracy also said he is comfortable setting a roster with shortstop Troy Tulowitzki active. Tulowitzki suffered a bruised left elbow on Sunday when hit by a pitch from the Indians’ Ubaldo Jimenez.
Here is the roster for Friday’s opener against the Astros:
PITCHERS (11) — Jeremy Guthrie, Juan Nicasio, Jhoulys Chacin, Matt Belisle, Rafael Betancourt, Rex Brothers, Tyler Chatwood, Matt Reynolds, Josh Roenicke, Esmil Rogers, Josh Outman
CATCHERS (2) — Ramon Hernandez, Wilin Rosario
INFIELDERS (7) — Todd Helton, Marco Scutaro, Troy Tulowitzki, Jordan Pacheco, Chris Nelson, Jason Giambi, Jonathan Herrera.
OUTFIELDERS (5) — Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler, Michael Cuddyer, Tyler Colvin, Eric Young Jr.
Chacin must be efficient; Pacheco working on infield defense
Rockies right-hander Jhoulys Chacin struggled in his last outing, after suffering a finger blister in the outing before that. Quite simply, the Rockies expect Chacin to be efficient today against the Reds.
Also, the Rockies have placed Jordan Pacheco on today’s roster as a backup infielder. Pacheco, a right-handed hitting utility man whose bat has impressed the Rockies, has peformed well at catcher throughout camp. Pacheco, an infielder in college, has made some good plays at third base but he is still considered a work in progress. At the end of the Rockies’ batting practice, Pacheco spent extra time with infield coach Rich Dauer fielding balls off the bat and working on his stance and movement.
Here are the lineups:
ROCKIES BATTING ORDER
Eric Young Jr., CF
Jonathan Herrera, 2B
Carlos Gonzalez, LF
Troy Tulowitzki, SS
Todd Helton, 1B
Michael Cuddyer, RF
Ramon Hernandez, C
Casey Blake, 3B
Jhoulys Chacin, RHP
ROCKIES RELIEF PITCHING
Matt Reynolds, LHP
Esmil Rogers, RHP
Alex White, RHP
Stephen Dodson, RHP
Mike Ekstrom, RHP
REDS BATTING ORDER
Brandon Phillips, 2B
Zack Cozart, SS
Joey Votto, 1B
Scott Rolen, 3B
Jay Bruce, RF
Chris Heisey, LF
Drew Stubbs, CF
Devin Mesoraco, C
Johnny Cueto, RHP
REDS RELIEF PITCHING
Drew Hayes, RHP
Brandon Hynick, RHP
Sam LeCure, RHP
Logan Ondruzek, RHP
Chris Manno, LHP
Big day for Rockies’ Moscoso in Tucson
The Rockies and Padres are gearing up for a Spring Training exhibition at Kino Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. — the place known as Tucson Electric Park back when the Rockies played there. This is the game that was called off because of bad weather a few days ago. This is big for Tucson, which lost all of its teams a couple of years ago. The fans should have a chance to see many members of the Triple-A Tucson Padres.
It’s even bigger for Rockies right-hander Guillermo Moscoso, who is fighting for a spot on the Rockies’ pitching staff and trending upward.
Moscoso, 28, obtained along with lefty Josh Outman from the Athletics for outfielder Seth Smith during the offseason, struggled in his frist two Cactus League appearances. He gave up four runs on five hits and two walks against the Cubs in his first appearance, and one run but four hits and a walk against the White Sox the next time he pitched. Granted, he was more concerned with putting pitches over the plate than anything else, but trying to make the team and possibly the starting rotation calls for more than that.
But Moscoso delievered in his last outing, throwing three scoreless innings against the Reds, striking out three and holding them to one hit and no walks. It looks as if rotation spots will go to Jeremy Guthrie, Jhoulys Chacin, Drew Pomeranz and, it seems likely, Juan Nicasio, who is making a dramatic return from a broken neck. Moscoso appears to be battling power pitcher Tyler Chatwood and 49-year-old lefty Jamie Moyer. A righty, Alex White, is in the mix; White will pitch in Tucson today. Outman was affected by the weather earlier in he week and needs to rebuild his stamina, so he might be more in line for a bullpen job.
Moscoso can work out of the rotation and the bullpen. If he continues to gain steam, he gives the Rockies a versatile arm.
Here is the lineup for the Rockies today in Tucson:
Eric Young Jr., CF
Jonathan Herrera, SS
Jordan Pacheco, C
Chad Tracy, 1B
Tyler Colvin, RF
Chris Nelson, 3B
Charlie Blackmon, LF
DJ LeMahieu, 2B
Guillermo Moscoso, RHP
Don’f forget, the Rockies will face the Giants at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick tonight, with Moyer pitching. Guthrie will pitch in a nighttime Minor League game at the complex.
Pomeranz leads Rockies vs. Royals; also, Rox face M’s in B game
Rockies left-hander Drew Pomeranz hopes to build on his scoreless two innings in the team’s Cactus League opener, a 1-1 tie with the D-backs on Friday afternoon, when he faces the Royals today. Fans can see the contest via a webcast. The game will start at 1:10 p.m. at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Felipe Paulino, formerly with the Rockies, will pitch for Kansas City.
Additionally, the Rockies and Mariners will play a B game at Salt River Fields at 10 a.m. on Field 1, which is just beyond the right-field corner of the main stadium.
Here is the Rockies’ batting order for the main game:
Dexter Fowler, CF
Jonathan Herrera, 2B
Jordan Pacheco, 1B
Jason Giambi, DH
Ramon Hernandez, C
Tyler Colvin, RF
Casey Blake, 3B
Chris Nelson, SS
Tim Wheeler, LF
Here is the pitching plan:
Drew Pomeranz, LHP
Josh Outman, LHP
Matt Belisle, RHP
Edgmer Escalona, RHP
Dustin Molleken, RHP
Edwar Cabrera, LHP
Joe Gardner, RHP
Here is the Rockies’ lineup for the the B game against the Mariners:
Eric Young Jr., 2B
Brendan Harris, RF
Brandon Wood, 3B
Chad Tracy, 1B
Ben Paulsen, DH
Andrew Brown, LF
DJ LeMahieu, SS
Jamie Hoffmann, CF
Lars Davis, C
Here is the pitching plan for the B game:
Rob Scahill, RHP
Carlos Torres, RHP
Josh Sullivan, RHP
Mike Ekstrom, RHP
Josh Roenicke, RHP
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