Rockies demote Nix, move Helton

Rockies demote Nix, move Helton
By Patrick Saunders
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 04/26/2008 06:56:03 PM MDT

LOS ANGELES — With his club stumbling, Rockies manager Clint Hurdle shook things up in a big way Saturday.

The club designated second baseman Jayson Nix for assignment, called up reliever Jose Capellan from Triple-A Colorado Springs to shore up an overworked bullpen, and moved Todd Helton up to second in the batting order.

Nix, the team's top draft pick in 2001, broke camp as the club's starting second basemen, but he hit just .111 with 12 strikeouts in 45 at-bats. Nix, 25, went 0-for-6 with two strikeouts Friday night. The Rockies have 10 days to trade, release or assign him to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Clint Barmes, hitting .321 with nine RBIs, becomes the primary second baseman.

Bringing up Capellan leaves the Rockies with just four bench players — utilityman Jeff Baker, catcher Chris Iannetta and outfielders Scott Podsednik and Ryan Spilborghs. It's a gamble Hurdle said he needs to take, especially after Friday night's 13-inning game against the Dodgers left the Rockies thin in the bullpen.

Citing a lack of timely, productive hitting, Hurdle also juggled his everyday lineup. He hopes moving Helton up from third to second can jumpstart the offense.

While Hurdle did not make a move with struggling starter Ubaldo Jimenez, he did have a talk with the right-hander, telling Jimenez he needs to pitch better his next time or lose his spot in the rotation. Jimenez lasted just 2 1/3 innings Friday night and had a disastrous third inning. Lacking control, Jimenez faced eight batters, surrendered five runs on five hits, threw two wild pitches (one of which scored a run) and hit James Loney in the ankle. The Rockies' 4-1 lead became a 6-4 Dodgers' lead.