Colorado called up 3B-R Garrett Atkins, Clint Barmes, Scott Elarton, Kit Pellow, Mark Sweeney, and Jason Young when rosters first expanded. The Rockies reportedly were planning on activating Nelson Cruz from the disabled list at the same time. However, after pitching poorly in a game that cost AAA Colorado Springs a place in the Pacific Coast League playoffs, he left their clubhouse before the first game of the double header had ended. Consequently, the Rockies chose to release Cruz rather than bring him to the big leagues. While could pitch solidly for someone else next year, his shoulder problems this season were reason enough for Colorado to choose not to retain the second-year arbitration eligible Cruz.

Atkins' first stint in the majors ended when the Rockies wanted to activate Mark Bellhorn from the disabled list on August 23rd. Colorado has failed to provide Atkins with more than sporadic starts, so he's not yet had time to adjust to the league. We've witnessed the Rockies impatience with poor defense in the past, so I'm a bit concerned that they may push Atkins down the Ben Petrick career path. Atkins' case suffers further because he currently doesn't appear likely to display much more than 20 HR power even in Coors over the next few years, though he may show more as he reaches physical maturity three or four years down the line. Nevertheless, if the Rockies give him consistent playing time, I believe he can effectively cover third for them, though not in a spectacular manner. He'll likely continue to make a couple of starts and pinch hit a few times a week for the remainder of the season.

On September 16th, the Rockies activated Chin-Hui Tsao from the disabled list. Tsao hit the DL on August 27th with a hamstring injury. The 22-year-old injured his left hamstring while running the bases in the fourth inning of his August 23rd start against Atlanta. He neglected to inform the coaching staff of the injury and went out and gave up five runs in the fifth. Tsao continued to keep his arm active while resting his leg, so Colorado was comfortable having him resume starting once his hamstring healed. As the Rockies want Tsao to retain his rookie eligibility, he'll pitch no more than a dozen more innings this year, but based on his past performances that means he'll likely make two more starts.