Rox place Dickerson on DL, call up Paulsen

DENVER -- Ailing Rockies left fielder Corey Dickerson was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday in hopes that the plantar fasciitis in his left foot will finally heal enough to where he can return to the lineup on a consistent basis.

Corner outfielder-first baseman Ben Paulsen was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque.

"It's tough to play shorthanded," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. "He's pinch-hit, but that's the extent of it. I knew we were nearing a decision on Corey."

Entering Tuesday, Dickerson had started just one of the Rockies' last four games. He pinch-hit in Monday's 4-3 loss to the Phillies, striking out in the ninth against closer Jonathan Papelbon.

Given the uncertainty that often surrounds plantar fasciitis, Weiss suggested that Dickerson's original DL time could produce mixed results moving forward.

"It can be," Weiss said when asked if Dickerson's injury could be lingering. "Doesn't necessarily have to be. I think it's reasonable to think he could be ready at the end of the DL stint."

Paulsen, 27, played in 31 games for the Rockies last season, hitting .317 in 66 plate appearances. This year, he batted .256 in 36 games at Albuquerque.

"[He brings] versatility," Weiss said, "Some thump from the left side."

Worth noting:

• Weiss said reliever Brooks Brown (right-shoulder inflammation) -- who is eligible to come of the DL on Tuesday -- could return to action as early Wednesday, but an official determination hasn't been made yet. Brown made his second rehab appearance on Monday night, surrendering three runs in two-thirds of an inning at Triple-A Albuquerque.

LaTroy Hawkins (right biceps tendinitis), meanwhile, will require "a little more time" before he's ready to return, Weiss said. The 42-year-old hasn't pitched since April 21.

• Despite exiting his last start with left-groin problems, left-hander Jorge De La Rosa reported no apparent issues while throwing and practicing fielding Tuesday, and all signs point to him making Thursday's scheduled start.

De La Rosa is all too familiar with groin issues. He's encountered them frequently throughout his 12-year Major League career and regularly deals with the injury in Spring Training.

Video: COL@LAD: De La Rosa leaves game with apparent injury

That experience, though, helps keep De La Rosa grounded.

"Just don't try to do too much," De La Rosa said, analyzing his recovery methods. "If you do too much, it's probably going to be worse."

• John Axford hasn't exactly been a busy man. The Rockies closer has struggled finding work in meaningful situations -- he's had just one save opportunity amidst Colorado's rough May.

A continuation of that may force Weiss to deploy Axford even when the game isn't on the line.

"There's a fine line there," Weiss said. "It's a little easier to use a closer at home. On the road, it's nearly impossible to get him work [in non-save situations] unless it's a very lopsided game. During this home stand, there may be times if he hasn't been active that I'll pick spots to get him out there."