November 14, 2008 10:38 PM

E.Y. Jr. down but not out

Eric Young Jr. is expected to return to action Monday in the Arizona Fall League. He strained his left hamstring Nov. 7 while running to first base and has been sidelined after batting once that day.

It's not a serious injury and something Young might have been able to play through or return from in a day or two. But the Rockies don't want Young to tear the hamstring or do anything that might put him in a more concerted rehabilitation mode after fall league play ends Thursday, particularly after the success Young has had.

In addition to playing very well in center field, Young, a second baseman by trade, is second in the league with a .420 average (37-for-88), first with 18 stolen bases in 19 attempts and second in on-base percentage (.495). Young also has a .557 slugging percentage.

The Rockies are happily surprised with how well Young has played center field. His only shortcoming is his arm, but when Young gets on top of the ball when he throws _ something he wouldn't do naturally while slinging the ball at second base _ his arm plays much better and ultimately might be close to major league average.

Posted by Jack Etkin at 10:38 PM | Comments (0)