Rest necessary for CarGo's ailing finger

ATLANTA -- Rockies left fielder Carlos Gonzalez insisted he didn't need to go to the 15-day disabled list because his right middle finger sprain flared up Wednesday night for the third time in the last 3 1/2 weeks. But manager Walt Weiss is monitoring closely and could order a different strategy if the problems continue.

Gonzalez and head athletic trainer Keith Dugger each said the problem is resting for 15 days would do little to help the finger. Only an offseason of rest can do that.

But that makes it difficult for Weiss on nights like Thursday. With outfielder Michael Cuddyer missing the game for family reasons and Gonzalez limited at best because of the finger, the bench was limited.

"We're kind of in a tough spot, because we're not sure that a couple weeks will make a lot of difference," Weiss said. "We've got to let it calm down again for a few days, and try it again. If he has another issue, then we'll seriously think about DL-ing him."

Gonzalez has experimented with different protective wrappings and different ways to hold the bat, but the flareups keep occurring.