Rockies activate Helton, option Herrera
The Colorado Rockies have activated first baseman Todd Helton, who returns from a rehab assignment at rookie-level Casper and rejoins the lineup. Helton will play first base and bat second in the series opener against San Francisco on Tuesday night.
Infielder Jonathan Herrera was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs to make room.
Center fielder Dexter Fowler suffered bruised ribs when he slammed into the center field fence at Coors Field on Sunday to make a game-saving play. He is feeling better and will remain on the active roster.
While Fowler isn’t expected to play in either game against the San Francisco Giants he should be in the lineup for the four-game weekend series at Pittsburgh.
That left the Rockies in need of making a roster move to create a spot for Helton and second baseman Jonathan Herrera got squeezed in the numbers game. Herrera played exceptionally well when Clint Barmes was at short in place of injured Troy Tulowitzki.
Herrera, however, had an option left so the Rockies were able to create space without losing a player. He will be called back up when the rosters expand on Sept. 1, if not earlier. Herrera has shown he belongs in the big leagues, and his effort the last two months has forced the Rockies to figure out where he will fit next year.
LOVE reading quotes such as, “Herrera has shown he belongs in the big leagues, and his effort the last two months has forced the Rockies to figure out where he will fit next year” instead of stories of guys like Atkins last year who played themselves off of rosters.
I truly hope Helton comes back strong; for the Rockies sake and his sake. But, if he doesn’t then Tracy and DOD are putting the seasons hopes on him. There should be no more of the “look at the back of his baseball card” type quotes. Give Todd about 6-7 games and if he doesn’t look right, make the change to Hawpe and keep it that way.
It was a rare treat to watch Helton in Casper the last few days. He looked pretty good against rookie level guys, and he was moving as well as Helton moves anymore. Hopefully he can show some signs of the Helton of last year for the rest of the season. The Rockies could really use that from him right now.
Part of the reason I’m such a fan of this team is the farm system. Its nice to know that the Sky Sox have a few guys who I know I will be able to watch in the Show for a few years to come (barring trades, etc). It was fun to watch Herrera and I look forward to him coming back up. Also nice to “not have a place to put him” vs bringing him up because “we need him to fill a hole”.
Go Rox!!
Sending Herrera down, in my opinion, was a contradiction to what manager Jim Tracy has preached to the media. I don’t remember his exact words but they should be easy to find. They were along the lines of fielding the best team with the best performing players.
It will be good to see Dex back in the line-up in Pittsburgh.
Maybe after the game he and Andrew McCutchen can put on their capes, tights, and masks and go rid the city of criminals.