For Arenado, CarGo, HR race will go to the wire
Weiss says he won't rest his two sluggers during the final week
PHOENIX -- Rockies manager Walt Weiss is going to make sure the power race between third baseman Nolan Arenado and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez goes to the wire.
Arenado is tied with the Nationals' Bryce Harperfor the National League lead in home runs with 41. Gonzalez, meanwhile, launched his 40th, a solo shot in the third inning of Tuesday's 4-3 loss to Arizona. They are the first Rockies teammates with 40 home runs in a season since Larry Walker (49), Andres Galarraga (40) and Vinny Castilla (40) in 1997. They are also the first 40-homer teammates anywhere since Jermaine Dye (44) and Jim Thome (42) with the White Sox in 2006.
Weiss will give the duo as many chances as possible to build their numbers during the season-ending trip to Arizona and San Francisco.
"I don't plan on sitting either one of them, really," Weiss said. "They're both chasing some things. They're having unbelievable seasons. That competition is good for both of them.
"I believe they're good for each other. Nolan is wound pretty tight, is very intense. It's helped that he sees CarGo, who is more carefree. I think it's rubbed off on him, and vice versa."
Video: Must C Classic: CarGo belts his 40th homer of 2015
Gonzalez said he is relishing merely being on the field. He didn't play after July last year because of a season-ending left knee surgery, and he'd had surgery on his left index finger to remove a benign tumor.
"What's the most fun for me is about a year ago I was on crutches, not being able to walk, and just being here talking about 40 home runs is special," Gonzalez said.
The competition with Arenado is not only friendly but full of admiration.
"He's a great player and a great teammate," Gonzalez said. "The fun part is he's still a young player and he'll continue to get better."