Josh Rutledge Returns To The Rockies

Josh Rutledge, the starting second baseman on opening day this season, is back in the fold thanks to Troy Tulowitzki‘s broken rib. Originally a shortstop, Rutledge will now take over the everyday duties at that position. Or at least he will eventually. Tonight Rutledge will play second base while Jonathan Herrera plays shortstop as the team starts a series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Also Rutledge is batting lead-off because Dexter Fowler is out with his hand injury. See for yourself:

Look, every team deals with injuries. That is the cliche you hear every season as teams that are ravaged by injuries insist that they “won’t make excuses.” And knowing that, you know that your team will have to overcome injuries at one point or another. Even still, it is really jarring to see a lineup where Rutledge is leading off, Tyler Colvin is roaming center field and Herrera is batting second.

Rutledge is back in the fold. Image: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Oof.

Back to Rutledge. While the Rockies probably planned on having him work for a longer period of time in the minor leagues to tweak his approach at the plate and improve his defense, it would appear he handled his business while with the Sky Sox. He batted .348 with 2 home runs and 10 RBI.

Last season the younger players in the organization, such as Rutledge and Colvin, got extended playing time thanks to a blitz of injuries. Now they need to show what they learned and keep this team afloat in the NL West.