Herrera earns second straight start

CINCINNATI -- Starts are usually intermittent for Rockies infielder Jonathan Herrera, but after his three hits in Tuesday's 6-5 victory over the Reds, he found himself in the starting lineup again at second base Wednesday.

Herrera's hits included a two-run double. It was the second three-hit game this season for the switch-hitting Herrera, who went into the game hitting .276 with three doubles, a triple and six RBIs. Herrera entered batting .302 from the left side, and hit left-handed against Reds emergency starter Pedro Villareal, who was inserted when righty Johnny Cueto was placed on the disabled list due to a right lat strain.

"I had a good game and have an opportunity to be in the game again tonight," Herrera said. "I hope to do my best and help my team. I know it's not going to be like last night every night, but I want to do the little things -- play good defense, put the ball in play."

"He swung the bat real well last night, had some big hits for us, so we're going to ride him," manager Walt Weiss said.

Eric Young Jr. started in center field in place of Dexter Fowler. Weiss said Fowler was a little under the weather, but available if needed. The scratching of Cueto didn't affect the Rockies' lineup, Weiss said.