Cuddyer slated to return for series finale with Nats

DENVER -- The Rockies decided to postpone right fielder Michael Cuddyer's return to the lineup a day, so he'll start Thursday afternoon's finale of a three-game set with the Nationals.

Cuddyer suffered bruised ribs in a collision at first base last Thursday night and hasn't played since, although on Tuesday he was available for pinch-hit duty. Manager Walt Weiss said the extra day simply made sense.

"Cuddy is feeling much better, but yesterday was the first physical day he had -- swinging the bat off a live arm -- and things went well," Weiss said. "We'll give him one more day, especially since tomorrow is a day game, as opposed to running him out there tonight, then turning around and doing it again tomorrow. We'll give it another 24 hours."

The decision meant another start against a right-handed pitcher for left-handed-hitting Tyler Colvin, who was called up Saturday, had two good days off the bench, then hit two home runs Tuesday in his first start -- an 8-3 victory over the Nationals. He started against righty Dan Haren on Tuesday, and his start Wednesday was against righty Ross Ohlendorf.

The Nationals will start lefty Ross Detweiler on Thursday afternoon - a good matchup for Cuddyer, who is hitting .339 with 10 home runs and 37 RBIs overall, and .326 off left-handers.