Chris

Nelson

Nelson’s callup was delayed a bit by a bruised heel that’s bothered him this month, but he’s going right into the starting lineup tonight in place of Troy Tulowitizki, who is bothered by a sore hip..

Nelson took over at third base in the ninth inning of what turned out to be an 11-inning contest. Only one day removed from wearing a boot on his left foot, he felt healthy enough to run the bases and play three innings in the field. A good sign for Nelson and the Rockies.

It’s not clear when, or if, he’ll return this season. Nelson is batting .250/.280/.383 in 180 at-bats this season.

Nelson’s fourth home run of the season was his second of the month. The former first-round pick has hit just .251/.279/.389 in 183 plate appearances this season, and shouldn’t be ticketed for more than a bench role in 2012.

Nelson hit .275 in Cactus League play and, according to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post, “showed soft hands defensively, which is why he’s expected to get the nod over Jordan Pacheco in the early going.” The Rox were originally planning to use Nelson in a utility role this season, but they don’t really have many options at the hot corner until top prospect Nolan Arenado is ready.

Nelson is still dealing with some soreness in his wrist after tweaking it on a play in Pittsburgh last week. Jonathan Herrera will make the start at the hot corner Monday and bat second.

The Rockies are going with Nelson for his defense, but he’s not exactly Brooks Robinson at the hot corner and he’s hitting just .224 with four RBI in 49 at-bats. He needs to step it up in order to hold on to the job.

Pacheco has not looked sharp defensively at the hot corner thus far, but Tracy told reporters Monday that the 26-year-old former catcher is “making progress.” Chris Nelson drew the start at third base in Monday’s game against the Giants and could begin seeing more playing time at the position if Pacheco doesn’t improve.

Nelson has lost a lot of playing time to Jonathan Herrera of late, but he got the start at third base today because of Troy Tulowitzki’s injury. Herrera has really cooled off recently, so Nelson might be able to reclaim the starting job at third base with another couple of nice games. Both he and Herrera are pretty borderline players, though.

Blake is just 3-for-20 this spring with no walks and seven strikeouts, and there are lingering concerns about the health of his neck. So the Rockies are likely to cut him loose before Opening Day to avoid paying his $2 million salary for 2012. Jordan Pacheco and Chris Nelson will keep the hot corner warm until top prospect Nolan Arenado is ready.