Rockies bolster roster with three callups

DENVER -- On a Labor Day that features 12 1/2 scheduled innings and a handful of inevitable complications, September's expanded rosters couldn't have come at a better time.

The Rockies recalled left-hander Yohan Flande, first baseman Ben Paulsen and infielder Rafael Ynoa on Monday from Triple-A Colorado Springs. All three players were available for both the suspended game and the regularly scheduled contest, which was good news considering what had to happen when play resumed.

Before the Rockies took the field to continue the May 22 game that was suspended in the bottom of the sixth, manager Walt Weiss was forced to replace some players.

The man who was on first, Michael Cuddyer, is currently on the 15 day disabled list with a hamstring injury. He was replaced by Charlie Culberson, who promptly stole second before the first pitch Monday. The batter at the plate with two outs, Troy Tulowitzki, is also on the shelf following hip surgery, so Josh Rutledge pinch-hit for Tulowitzki and struck out to end the inning. Wilin Rosario, the starting catcher of that May 22 game, is currently on the DL with a left wrist injury; Michael McKenry took over behind the dish Monday.

"We called up three guys to help us with the circumstances today," Weiss said before the resumption of the suspended game, a 4-2 Rockies loss. "Without them, we'd be in trouble. I think our bench would be empty on the first play of the game."

Christian Friedrich took the mound for the Rockies in the top of the seventh but Flande will at least offer the Rockies some depth.

In eight starts and one relief appearance with the Rockies this season, Flande is 0-5 with a 5.52 ERA. Weiss said Flande will operate strictly out of the bullpen this go-around as the team continues to evaluate his long-term role. He pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings during the Rockies' 10-9 walk-off victory in the regularly scheduled game after the suspended contest.

Paulsen has been more impressive in his short time with the Rockies, batting .382 (13-for-34) with four doubles, one home run, four RBIs and four runs scored in 12 games. He slugged a go-ahead two-run homer in the regularly scheduled game.

Ynoa made his Major League debut in the fifth inning of the regularly scheduled game, going 3-for-4 with an RBI. In his first year at the Triple-A level, Ynoa hit .297 (127-for-427) with 31 doubles, three triples, five home runs and 66 runs scored. The 27-year-old utility man also has the ability to play at second, shortstop and third.

"He's one of those guys that has forced his way into the picture because he's played really well," Weiss said. "He's a sure-handed infielder that has a good feel of the game, [and] a switch-hitter that gives you a good at-bat."

Weiss confirmed the Rockies have plans to bring up additional players but will hold off with some of their Minor League affiliates -- namely Double-A Tulsa -- just beginning playoff runs.