Colorado Rockies’ Dexter Fowler return to action against Washington Nationals
Center fielder Dexter Fowler made a return to the Colorado Rockies against the Washington Nationals on Friday, June 21, 2013 in the team’s 2-1 defeat. Dexter went 0-for-3 including a walk in the closely battled encounter.
He picked the injury against the Washington Nationals in an attempt to bunt. It was in fact the fifth occasion this year that he has been hit by a pitch and was lucky to avoid a serious injury. There were fears that he may have a broken finger but the x-rays showed otherwise, providing the Rockies with a lot of relief.
Dexter said that although it does not feel much better, he is still back playing the game.
“It feels about the same, but I’m playing,” Fowler said.
The centre fielder, who is in the sixth season of the Major League Baseball, all of whom which he has played with the Rockies, has assumed the role of a senior statesman in the team. He recently mentioned that younger players look up- to him for advice in many matters.
His own form in this season has been reasonably good. He has maintained a .294 batting average with .393 on-base percentage. He has driven in 26 runs and has gone deep on 10 occasions.
Walt Weiss, manager of the Colorado Rockies is quite confident about the fitness of the 27-year-old. He said that Dexter is ready for action and feels that although it may be hard with a hand injury to swing as well he should be able to work well.
“Dexter is ready to go,” Weiss said. “Hand injuries are tough in this game because it’s hard to swing the bat. I just wanted to make sure he was right. Our outfielders have been banged up.”
The Rockies have recently lost five games in a row despite of some good performances. The recent loss of shortstop Troy Tulowtzki has been a big enough blow and the Rockies are certainly looking not to have another injured hitter.
Dexter will have to play it out for his team even if there is some pain involved. As long as it does not affect the injury adversely, it should not be a problem.