Rosario's primary role remains behind the plate

DENVER -- Wilin Rosario has suddenly become a semi-regular presence at first base, drawing speculation that the Rockies might plan to convert the catcher into a first baseman.

But despite his offensive gifts, manager Walt Weiss is committed to Rosario remaining the Rockies' long-term catcher. He's moved his catcher to the infield to keep Rosario's legs fresh without removing his lively bat from an order already without slugger Carlos Gonzalez.

"I envision him as a catcher," Weiss said. "But I also envision him doing this from time to time to be able to keep that bat in the middle of the lineup. So it's a nice option to have.

"As opposed to catching, it's a considerable break when you get him out from behind the plate. He wants to play, he doesn't ever want to come out of the lineup and as a catcher you're not going to play 150 or 160 games back there. So this is a way to keep him involved."

After finishing 3-for-4 with an RBI in Tuesday's loss, Rosario is hitting .317 with five homers and 19 RBIs in August. His 71 RBIs lead all big league catchers, and his 20 homers are tied for best in the Majors.

Before starting at first Aug. 11, Rosario had just one career start at first base.

The Giants have adopted a similar strategy with 2012 National League MVP Buster Posey, who has 16 starts at first base this year.