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Rockies report: Reynolds in for Hernandez

By Jack Etkin, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published September 11, 2008 at 8:28 p.m.

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He said it

"I think there's a lot of love still for Eric Young in Denver. I'm all for bringing him back, embracing him, presenting him in front of the crowd, letting him go out that way."

Clint Hurdle, on Young, who will retire today with the Rockies and be in uniform Saturday for batting practice.

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ATLANTA — Greg Reynolds, 23, will replace struggling Livan Hernandez in the rotation and start Monday against San Diego. Hernandez is 1-3 with a 9.85 ERA in six starts for the Rockies and has allowed 43 hits and 53 baserunners in 28 1/3 innings.

Manager Clint Hurdle said Hernandez, who was claimed off waivers from Minnesota on Aug. 6, has been helpful to Ubaldo Jimenez and Jorge De La Rosa, among others, and would be used in long relief, a role he hasn't filled.

"He said he wanted to do better," Hurdle said. "You appreciate that. It hasn't worked, so we're going to make this adjustment now."

ONE ON ONE

Todd Helton took four rounds of batting practice against Jason Hirsh, facing a major league pitcher for the first time since July 2.

That's when Helton, who is recovering from a disk problem in his back, last played.

"I'm a little sore but a good sore," Helton said. "I wish I could've swung it a little better. My pitch recognition was good. I feel like I can play."

Hurdle said he "was encouraged" by what he saw.

Trainer Keith Dugger said Helton "didn't show any signs that his back was bothering him" and will be re-evaluated today. When deemed ready, Helton likely will be eased back into action as a pinch hitter and/or defensive replacement.

ETC.

The Rockies were swept in a three-game series by the Braves for the first time since Aug. 24-26, 2004, at Turner Field, where they have lost five straight games, seven of eight and 15 of 18. . . . Taveras batted leadoff for the first time since Aug. 12 and reached base in three of five plate appearances. He leads the majors with 67 stolen bases but has a .309 on-base percentage. Manager Clint Hurdle said he moved Taveras back into the top spot hoping to boost the former figure by improving the latter and that after an initial spurt with Taveras hitting second, the offense had sputtered. . . . Jason Hirsh threw 70 pitches in a three-inning simulated game, facing Todd Helton and Joe Koshansky. Hirsh has been working to stay on line during his leg kick to avoid drifting and land in a better position. "Everything else feels good when I do that," he said. Hurdle said he would like to start Hirsh before the season ends. . . . Second baseman Eric Young Jr. will play center field in the Arizona Fall League as the Rockies seek to enhance his versatility, and Chris Nelson will play second base because the Rockies didn't get a shortstop slot for him.