Cuddyer activated from disabled list

DENVER -- After missing 63 games with a fractured shoulder, Michael Cuddyer was back with the Rockies and would have been in the lineup for Saturday's game, batting fourth and starting at first base. The game was postponed due to a broken water main near Coors Field.

For the corresponding moves to activate Cuddyer from the 60-day disabled list, the Rockies transferred left-hander Brett Anderson (back surgery) to the 60-day DL and optioned first baseman Ben Paulsen to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Cuddyer has been out since June 5, when he fractured his left shoulder while attempting to make a diving stop at third in ninth inning of the Rockies' 12-7 loss to Arizona.

Cuddyer returned to the Rockies Friday after an eight-game rehab assignment. He spent five games the Rockies' Rookie Ball affiliate and another three with Double-A Tulsa, finishing 13-for-30 with six doubles and nine RBIs.

"The thing is, when you're out two-plus months, it's basically about getting my feet under me again," Cuddyer said. "That was what was good about staying down there for as long as I did. I was able to work out the kinks. I feel good and excited and I'm ready to get back."

Keeping with the Rockies' theme of bad breaks this season, Cuddyer's return comes just a few days after the team announced Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez would both undergo season-ending surgeries.

"It's unfortunate," Cuddyer said. "It stinks, it's not fair but it is what it is. I know those guys are going to do everything in their power to get back where they were prior to the injuries."

Cuddyer, a free agent after this season, was batting .317 (38-for-120) with five home runs and 16 RBIs through 31 games season prior to the injury.

The 35-year-old is expected to see regular playing time down the stretch despite the Rockies being out of contention. Cuddyer is hoping to use the Rockies' final 40 games to prove his health to a organization he hopes to remain with.

"I'm not saying I'm going to light it up but I'm not saying I'm going to come up and stink," Cuddyer said. "But I feel normal about being on a baseball field again which is why I went down there for eight games."