CarGo sits out Tuesday with sprained finger

SAN DIEGO -- Rockies All-Star left fielder Carlos Gonzalez missed his second straight game Tuesday night with a sprained right middle finger and said he hoped to take batting practice Wednesday with an eye toward returning to the lineup Thursday at Los Angeles.

"It feels a little better, and I hope I'll get to play the first game in Los Angeles," said Gonzalez, who had the middle finger taped to his index finger Tuesday for stabilization.

With Dexter Fowler expected to return Thursday after spending time on the 15-day disabled list with a right hand injury, the Rockies hope to face the Dodgers with their potent outfield -- Gonzalez, Fowler and All-Star Michael Cuddyer -- intact.

"He's getting close - we thought it might be a few days here," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. "He's shown improvement. That's a good sign."