Rosario ready to start rehab at Triple-A

DENVER -- Rockies catcher Wilin Rosario, who hasn't played since May 2 because of a viral infection, will begin an injury rehab assignment for Triple-A Colorado Springs on Friday, at home against New Orleans. The Rockies announced the move on Twitter.

Rosario (.239, 3 HRs, 15 RBIs in 31 games) and infielder Josh Rutledge went on the 15-day disabled list within days of each other with the flu. Rutledge was brought off the DL and optioned to Colorado Springs earlier this week.

It isn't clear how long the Rockies want Rosario at Colorado Springs. He is eligible to return Sunday, the finale of a three-game series with the Padres.

The Rockies are without two regulars: Rosario and outfielder/first baseman Michael Cuddyer, who was scheduled to begin receiving regular at-bats at extended spring training in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Thursday. There was no report how Thursday went for Cuddyer (.317, 3 HRs, 10 RBIs in 16 games), who suffered a left hamstring strain on April 17.

Cuddyer set a target date of Tuesday, the start of a three-game home set with the Giants. "You've got to play some games to make sure you are at game speed," Cuddyer said earlier this week.