Rockies report: Tulo ready
Jack Etkin and Pat Rooney, Rocky Mountain News
Published June 19, 2008 at 11:56 p.m.
"It's a big weight off the shoulders. I'm really excited to get playing. I've been kind of itching ever since my season ended. It will really feel good to get out there with the team and get going."
Christian Friedrich, Rockies first-round draft pick. Friedrich is expected to join short-season Tri-City on Monday.
4 saves needed by Brian Fuentes to tie Jose Jimenez for the most in Rockies history, with 102. Fuentes notched his 98th save Thursday and has converted seven consecutive save chances.
ALMOST THERE
Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who hasn't played since he suffered a torn left quadriceps tendon April 29 at San Francisco, rejoined the Rockies after playing seven games in a rehabilitation assignment.
Tulowitzki underwent a final evaluation by the Rockies' medical staff and participated in pregame infield drills and batting practice in hopes of being activated before the series opener today against the New York Mets.
SHUFFLED
With a left-hander starting for Cleveland and Todd Helton suffering through a 2-for-22 slide, Rockies manager Clint Hurdle opted to rest the veteran first baseman.
Hurdle gave the streaking Jeff Baker his third start this season at first and allowed Doug Bernier to make his first career start at second base.
"We're giving Todd a day off, which, I think, is more than appropriate at this time," Hurdle said.
ETC.
Willy Taveras stole his 32nd base this season, one short of the total he produced last year. Despite playing only 170 games in less than two seasons, Taveras ranks fifth on the team's career list with 65 steals. . . . Omar Quintanilla made another impression in his bid to remain with the team after Clint Barmes is activated, going 1-for-4 with a sacrifice bunt. Quintanilla has gone 9-for-21 during his career-best six-game hitting streak. . . . Right-handed relief pitcher Taylor Buchholz pitched a perfect eighth inning and has retired 14 consecutive batters. Buchholz has allowed only two earned runs in his past 19 innings. . . . Closer Brian Fuentes has thrown 10 consecutive scoreless innings, and he moved into a tie for fourth place with Curtis Leskanic on the Rockies' all-time strikeouts list with 415. . . . Brad Hawpe went 2-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to six games. . . . Matt Holliday also extended his hitting streak to six games. . . . Catcher Yorvit Torrealba went 2-for-4 in his first start since Saturday.
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