Tulo continues running, could play Cactus opener

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki ran the bases with no issues Tuesday for the second time since Spring Training began, but manager Walt Weiss will wait before deciding whether to start him in Saturday's Cactus League opener against the D-backs at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

"He's got a chance to play on Saturday; I don't think we'll put him in the instrasquad [Friday]," Weiss said. "We'll get a feel as we get closer here. We're having conversations today about early in the games how we're going to use him. We haven't figured it out quite yet, but it's not out of the question."

Tulowitzki is coming off left groin surgery for an injury that limited him to 47 games last season. The Rockies also will be careful with first baseman Todd Helton, who had right hip surgery in August.

One standout player who could receive more early at-bats than usual is All-Star left fielder Carlos Gonzalez, who will leave the team to participate with Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. Weiss said Gonzalez wants early playing time so he will be ready for tournament intensity.