Corey Dickerson and Nolan Arenado returned to the Colorado Rockies’ lineup for Wednesday night’s matchup with the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. After losing the first two games of the series, the Rockies were able to rally for the win with a fully healthy lineup for the first time in the series. Luckily for the Rockies, the potentially nagging injuries to their emerging, young stars did not linger.
Dickerson aggravated minor plantar fasciitis in his left foot in the series-opener on Monday. He was held of the lineup Tuesday night, but was able to pinch-hit in the ninth inning with the Rockies down by a run.
Dickerson returned Wednesday to hit two solo bombs to center field – including a huge homerun to tie the game at 4-4 in the bottom of the eighth inning. He quietly leads the club with four homeruns and 12 RBIs on the season.
Arenado returned after missing Monday and Tuesday’s contests with a soar left wrist. He said he tweaked the wrist in the Rockies’ last game in Los Angeles.
Arenado’s defenseive ability was on full display as the two-time gold glover made at least three spectacular plays at third base. The 24-year-old stayed red hot at the plate as well – collecting two hits, 1 RBI, 1 run, and a double.
“Plugging those two guys back in the lineup impacts as tremendously, and you saw it tonight,” Manager Walt Weiss said in his post-game presser. “[Dickerson] with two homers. Nolan with the game changing defense two or three different times.”
The Rockies also made a series of roster moves in advance of Wednesday night’s victory.
John Axford was activated form the Restricted List. The right-handed reliever missed the beginning of the season attending to his 2-year-old son, who was bit by a rattlesnake in Arizona during spring training. He pitched a scoreless eighth inning in his Rockies debut on Wednesday – throwing eight strikes on 10 pitches and punching out one batter.
To make room for Axford, Wilin Rosario was sent down to triple-A Albuquerque. Rosario was hardly seeing any playing time with the Rockies and the club needed room for another relief pitcher. Rosario will be able to get more at bats and some experience at first base during his time with Albuquerque. The infielder is 5-for-14 with one homerun and three doubles on the season.
The club also placed LaTroy Hawkins on the 15-day disabled list with bicep tendonitis. Scott Oberg was recalled to fill his spot in the bullpen.
Nathan is a staff writer for Mile High Sports. He can be reached on Twitter at @TheRealNatron.