Cory

Sullivan

Sullivan, who will miss the season after undergoing reconstructive left elbow surgery, was released to create an opening on the 40-man roster.

Sullivan has been the Rockies’ own Jason Ellison. Since the end of April, he’s hitting .249 with four extra-base hits and nine walks in 189 at-bats. He’s just not anything more than a fifth outfielder.

“We aren’t platooning Cory Sullivan,” manager Clint Hurdle said of the move. “Cory Sullivan is our starting center fielder.” Cory Sullivan has 12 at-bats against left-handers this season. Clint Hurdle must not know the meaning of the word platoon.

He’ll be back on the bench with the A’s throwing left-hander Barry Zito on Wednesday.

The Rockies will probably use Ryan Spilborghs in center field on Monday.

In a game the Rockies won 14-8. Gotta love the small ball. The last player with four sac bunts in a game was Kris Benson in 2004 with the Pirates.

Sullivan has been bothered by the finger since April 27. It started to swell up on him on Sunday and the team decided to give him Monday off. Ryan Spilborghs will start in center field if Sullivan can’t.

Well, Sullivan wasn’t the only member of the Rockies to struggle against the Padres tonight. Still, he’s hitting just .183 this month. Ryan Spilborghs might be back in center field on Wednesday.

Sullivan has just 10 hits in his last 64 at-bats. “We’ve talked about concentrating on hitting the ball hard where it is pitched,” manager Clint Hurdle said. Sullivan could get a start Friday against Florida.

Sullivan, getting extra at-bats with Matt Holliday sidelined, is 7-for-16 with four extra-base hits over the last three days. He is a better defensive center fielder than Ryan Spilborghs, so if he can stay hot, he might remain in the lineup after Holliday returns.