SAN DIEGO -- The Rockies placed second baseman DJ LeMahieu on the disabled list with a sprained left thumb prior to Monday's series opener against the Padres. Infielder Pat Valaika was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque.
"We're concerned about it,'' manager Bud Black said before the roster move. "We're trying to be optimistic on this one, but we will have to wait and see.''
LeMahieu, a two-time All-Star, lands on the disabled list for the second time this season. He was activated on May 8 after being waylaid by a strained hamstring. LeMahieu is hitting .279 with five home runs and 13 RBIs. His season-long seven-game hitting streak was snapped on Saturday.
"Without DJ, it made sense to move Noel [Cuevas] up [in the order],'' Black said. "It's a good spot for him and he's playing with a lot of confidence.''
Valaika made the Opening Day roster and hit .103 (6-for-58) in 28 games before being optioned to Albuquerque on May 8.