Rockies rest Cuddyer in opener vs. Reds

DENVER -- The guy who never takes a play off needed rest.

Manager Walt Weiss knew Michael Cuddyer could use an extra day to freshen his legs and decided to sit the outfielder for the first of a three-game series against the Reds on Friday.

"I told him on Wednesday that I was planning on giving him [another day off]," Weiss said. "He's been going real hard; I can see his legs getting a little heavy, so I wanted to give him two days."

Cuddyer hit .322 entering Friday's games, just 11 points shy of the NL leader, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, giving Cuddyer a legitimate shot at a batting title heading into the final month of the season.

Weiss also said Friday that center fielder Dexter Fowler remained a few days away from returning to the lineup. The skipper had said Wednesday that Fowler, who injured his left knee trying to steal second in Monday's win over the Giants, was improving but was unlikely to play before Saturday or Sunday.

Though Fowler remains on the active roster, Weiss is trying to avoid using him.

"Ideally I'd stay away from him," Weiss said. "But he's got a uniform on -- he's usable."