Fowler may return this weekend after clean MRI

DENVER -- Dexter Fowler missed his second straight start Wednesday night, but Rockies manager Walt Weiss had positive news to deliver after the game.

An MRI of Fowler's left knee revealed no tears or serious damage, Weiss said after the Rockies' 5-4 win over the Giants.

Before the game, Weiss said Fowler injured his lateral collateral ligament (LCL) when he tried to steal second in the first inning of Monday's 6-1 win over San Francisco.

Asked if the Rockies center fielder might return for the series against the Reds that begins Friday, Weiss was cautiously optimistic.

"It would probably be a stretch to see him out there on Friday," Weiss said. "But maybe at some point during the weekend."

After opening the season on a tear, Fowler's bat has cooled. He's batting .263 with 12 homers and 42 RBIs in 110 games. Charlie Blackmon started in center field and hit leadoff on Wednesday.