Adames called up from Colorado Springs

CHICAGO -- The Rockies will reach double figures in players making their Major League debut when infielder Cristhian Adames, called up on Tuesday from Triple-A Colorado Springs, enters a game.

The switch-hitting Adames, who turned 23 on Saturday, spent much of his early Minor League career as a shortstop before increasing his workload at second and third this season. He batted .276 with two home runs and 37 RBIs in 84 games for at Double-A Tulsa before hitting .273 with three RBIs in nine games at Colorado Springs.

The Rockies needed someone capable of playing short, second and third, as Josh Rutledge missed his second straight game on Tuesday because of an upper respiratory infection. The illness is not related to the severe flu that sidelined him for 10 games and led to him being optioned to Colorado Springs earlier this season.

Charlie Culberson made his second straight start at short on Tuesday against the Cubs.

The need for a middle infielder and the activation of starting first baseman Justin Morneau from the disabled list meant an unlucky demotion to Colorado Springs for Ben Paulsen. Paulsen went 10-for-22 with four doubles and two RBIs in seven games filling for Morneau.

"It's not like Ben played his way out of here," manager Walt Weiss said. "As a matter of fact, it's just the opposite. He opened some eyes with his performance and his poise. It's a tough situation. We're just in a bind right now with Rut being sick."

Adames began the season looking to gain comfort away from short, and he worked on his swing from the left side and on his situational hitting.

"I know a lot of players here, so I feel comfortable," Adames said.

In Spring Training, Adames hit .217 with two RBIs.

In other roster news, the Rockies activated lefty Boone Logan from the disabled list after his recovery from diverticulitis, and optioned right-handed relievers Chad Bettis and Brooks Brown to Colorado Springs.