Cuddyer continues to deal with rib pain

DENVER -- Rockies outfielder Michael Cuddyer admitted the bruised ribs on the left side still hurt, but he believes it isn't the type of injury that will force him to the 15-day disabled list.

Cuddyer, hurt in a collision at first base at the end of Thursday night's 12-inning loss to the Padres, underwent an MRI that didn't reveal any muscle damage. The bruises are to the fifth rib and part of the sixth, which means it's high enough on the rib cage to make breathing painful.

"It's bruised ribs, so it's basically just pain tolerance," Cuddyer said. "It's going to be sore for a while, but knowing it's not an intercostals strain, I can't hurt it swinging, throwing like a pulled muscle has allowed me mentally to just go out there and at least perform."

Cuddyer hit, threw and ran Tuesday afternoon and took full batting practice. Manager Walt Weiss started Tyler Colvin in right field against the Nationals. Weiss said Cuddyer was available, but he was trying not to use him so he'd have another day to heal.