July 7, 2008 4:25 PM

Taveras returns; July 7

CF Willy Taveras is in the lineup for the first time since last Tuesday. Taveras came out of last Tuesdays' game against the Padres because of a left quad soreness. He did get a pinch-hit single on Sunday.

Manager Clint Hurdle said Taveras indicated he feels good enough to be aggressive on the bases. ``That's why he is in there,'' said Hurdle. If Taveras did have the ability to use his legs, Hurdle admitted he would have stayed with Ryan Spilborghs

THE ROCKIES will be the opposition for C.C. Sabathia's Brewers debut on Tuesday, and then back that up on Wednesday by facing Ben Sheets. ``This is the major leagues,'' said Hurdle. ``That gets other people's attention more than it does our. We have a game to play and have our own issues to deal with.''

OF SETH SMITH got the call when SS Troy Tulowitzki was disabled, instead of calling up an infielder, because Hurdle wanted the threat of a bat off the bench. ``We are at a postiion where the guys we put out there (to start) are going to play,'' said Hurdle. ``This gives us a different look later int he game.''

WITH JEFF BAKER getting more time at second base while Clint Barmes fills in for Tulowtizki at shortstop, Ryan Spilborghs becomes a right-handed possiblity to compliment left-handed hitting Joe Koshansky at first base in the absence of Todd Helton.

TOP PROSPECT Dexeter Fowler, playing center field at double-A Tulsa, has hiked his average to .330. ... CF Cory Sullivan is hitting .300 at Triple-A Colorado Springs. ... RHP Jhouyls Chacin has won is first two starts since bieng promote to High-A Modesto, allowing one earned run in 14 innings.

THE LINEUPS

ROCKIES
CF Willy Taveras (rh)
SS Clint Barmes (rh)
LF Matt Holliday (rh)
RF Brad Hawpe (lh)
3B Garrett Atkins (rh)
1B Joe Koshansky (lh)
2B Jeff Baker (rh)
C Chris Iannetta (rh)
RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (rh)

BREWERS
2B Craig Counsell (lh)
SS J.J. Hardy (rh)
LF Ryan Braun (rh)
1B Prince Fielder (lh)
RF Corey Hart (rh)
3B Russell Branyan (lh)
CF Mike Cameron (rh)
C Jason Kendall (rh)
RHP Seth McClung (lh)

Posted by Tracy Ringolsby at 4:25 PM | Comments (0)