Rockies reinstate INF Jonathan Herrera from 15-day DL

DENVER - The Colorado Rockies announced today that the club has reinstated infielder Jonathan Herrera from the 15-day disabled list. To make room on the active roster for Herrera the Rockies have optioned infielder DJ LeMahieu to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Herrera (#18) will be in uniform and available for tonight's Rockies at Rangers game.

Herrera, 27, began the 2012 season on the Rockies Opening Day roster and hit .239 (16-for-67) with 3 doubles, 2 home runs, 4 RBI and 12 runs scored in 26 games. He was placed on the DL on May 23rd with a strained right hamstring. Herrera missed 26 games while on the DL. He played in five games for Double-A Tulsa on his rehab assignment and hit .176 (3-for-17) with 1 home runs, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored. Herrera has appeared in the Major League with Colorado in each of the last three seasons, as well as 2008. In his Major League career he has hit .255 (161-for-631) with 15 doubles, 4 triples, 6 home runs, 42 RBI and 79 runs. He was originally signed by Colorado as a non-drafted free agent on April 6, 2002.

LeMahieu, 23, was recalled to Colorado when Herrera was placed on the DL on May 23rd and has been a member of the Rockies active roster ever since. In 18 games with the Rockies this season, LeMahieu has hit .216 (8-for-37) with 1 double, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored. LeMahieu began the season at Triple-A Colorado Springs, where he returns to a .315 (57-for-181) batting average with 8 doubles, 2 triples, 1 home run, 26 RBI and 19 runs scored in 43 games. The Rockeis acquired LeMahieu along with Tyler Colvin from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Ian Stewart and Casey Weathers on December 8th, 2011. In 55 career Major League games with the Rockies and Cubs, LeMahieu has hit .237 (23-for-97) with 3 doubles, 6 RBI and 6 runs scored.

The Rockies currently have 39 players on the 40-man roster.