Tulowitzki returns from disabled list
Rockies' All-Star shortstop back from June 13 broken rib
LOS ANGELES -- When Rockies manager Walt Weiss wrote the lineup for Thursday's game against the Dodgers, Troy Tulowitzki was starting at shortstop and batting fourth.
However, that was tentative as the team wanted to make sure Tulowitzki -- who had not played since June 13 because of a broken rib -- felt OK after going through batting practice and the rest of his pregame routine.
Tulowitzki felt good to go and was activated from the 15-day disabled list.
"[We're] starting to get healthy again, and that's a good thing," Weiss said. "He's felt good swinging the bat. That hasn't been an issue. Down there in [Triple-A] Colorado Springs, he was letting it go."
In 61 games for the Rockies this season, Tulowitzki is hitting .347 with 16 home runs and 51 RBIs.
While Tulowitzki feels fine swinging the bat, the team is not taking any chances with their All-Star shortstop, as he will wear a protective vest -- which Weiss described as similar to that which a quarterback wears -- beneath his jersey.
"The impact stuff, that's always a risk, but that's why he's got the protective pad there," Weiss said.
To make room for Tulowitzki on the 25-man roster, outfielder Tyler Colvin was optioned to Triple-A. Colvin has hit .160 in 27 games this season.