Fowler sits, but struggles not due to hip flexor

CHICAGO -- The Rockies rested slumping center fielder Dexter Fowler on Monday night.

Although Fowler's slump coincides with his leaving a May 3 game with right hip flexor soreness, manager Walt Weiss said he does not believe the injury is related to the 2-for-26 slump that Fowler entered Monday's opener against the Cubs with.

"For me, I just felt like it was a good day to give Dex a little break," Weiss said. "You try to have a feel for those things with your players and watch them closely. This was one of those days it would be good for him to have a day off and get back at it tomorrow.

"Everybody at some point offensively is going to get beat up in this league. You grind though those things and try to work your way through it. He got off to a great start, and I think we all see him turning into an outstanding player before our eyes. I'm not worried about him. I'm just giving him a day off."

With Fowler out, Eric Young, Jr., played center field.