Rockies place Rutledge on DL with viral infection

By Thomas Harding and Adam Berry

May 2, 2014

The Rockies placed infielder Josh Rutledge on the 15-day disabled list Friday with a viral infection and recalled infielder Ryan Wheeler from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Rutledge's disabled-list stint is retroactive to Monday, as he hasn't played since Sunday, when he hit a key three-run homer in the sixth inning of the Rockies' 6-1 win over the Dodgers.

Wheeler was expected to be available for the Rockies' game against the Mets at Coors Field on Friday night. He will wear No. 4.

Wheeler, 25, has played in 24 games for Colorado Springs this year, batting .247/.286/.402 with three home runs and nine RBIs. He has hit .358 with a double, two homers, four RBIs and six runs over his past five games.

Wheeler played most of last season with Colorado Springs but also spent some time with the Rockies, batting .220 in 28 games over three stints. In 78 Major League games, Wheeler has hit .233/.280/.320 with one home run and 17 RBIs.

Rutledge, 25, started the season with Colorado Springs before being recalled to the Rockies on April 9. In 11 games for Colorado this year, he has hit .318/.375/.500 in 25 plate appearances.

Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @harding_at_mlb. Adam Berry is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @adamdberry.