LeMahieu proves to be strong option at second

DENVER -- The year began with DJ LeMahieu playing shortstop at Triple-A Colorado Springs with the assignment of proving to the Rockies that he could fill in at shortstop if something happened to Troy Tulowitzki. But LeMahieu has played himself into being the first option at second base.

The year started with Josh Rutledge at second base. But before Tulowitzki suffered a broken rib on his right side on June 13, the Rockies called up LeMahieu and installed him at second. His initial games were dazzling, then he slumped, but now he is displaying a consistent bat.

LeMahieu went into Friday's start against the Giants hitting .287 with one home run and nine RBIs.

"DJ has played well," Weiss said. "His swing is in a good place. He swung the bat very well down at Colorado Springs and it looks like he's found that stroke, especially recently. He's strung a lot of good at-bats together."