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Cuddyer hits 15-day DL; Culberson recalled

Right fielder sidelined with hamstring strain, eligible to return May 3

DENVER -- Unable to run at close to full effectiveness, the Rockies' Michael Cuddyer accepted placement on the 15-day disabled list Monday because of a strain of the lower left hamstring.

The start of Cuddyer's stint is retroactive to Friday, which means he will be eligible to return on May 3. Utility man Charlie Culberson, an infielder by trade who can move to the outfield, was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs. The Rockies kept Cuddyer active through the three-game weekend series with the Phillies but decided Monday they could not continue to play essentially a man short.

"I can hit, I can throw, I can catch, obviously -- and I can run, probably, 50-60 percent, but no more," said Cuddyer, who is batting .317, with three home runs and 10 RBIs in 16 games. "It's a minor strain in the tendon area, so we'll see if I can get better."

An MRI confirmed the strain but nothing more extensive. Cuddyer said he has never had a hamstring injury, and he was happy the strain was in the tendon rather than in the muscle.

For Monday, manager Walt Weiss moved third baseman Nolan Arenado from his customary No. 7 batting order spot to Cuddyer's second spot. In the outfield, Weiss moved Charlie Blackmon to Cuddyer's usual right field and inserted Corey Dickerson at center. Blackmon is a natural center fielder, but Dickerson has played far more in center (16 games, 13 starts) than in right (four games, one start).

Cuddyer also has served as backup first baseman to Justin Morneau. Weiss said catchers Wilin Rosario and Jordan Pacheco each have experience at first base and can be used there in a pinch.

Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @harding_at_mlb.
Read More: Colorado Rockies, Michael Cuddyer, Charlie Culberson