Rockies send Rutledge to Triple-A

May 23, 2013 - 3:04 AM Denver, CO (Sports Network) - The Colorado Rockies optioned Josh Rutledge, the team's regular second baseman for the majority of this season, to Triple-A Colorado Springs following Wednesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Rutledge started 39 of Colorado's first 45 games at second base before being benched in favor of D.J. LeMahieu for the club's last two contests. The 24- year-old is hitting .242 with five home runs, 13 RBI and five stolen bases for the year.

LeMahieu has gone 7-for-17 in seven games since being recalled from Colorado Springs in mid-May, and had three hits and two RBI in Tuesday's 5-4 victory over Arizona.

The Rockies will make a corresponding roster move prior to Friday's opener of a three-game series at San Francisco. It's believed the team will activate outfielder/first baseman Michael Cuddyer from the 15-day disabled list.

Cuddyer, sidelined since May 8 with a bulging disc in his neck, is not eligible to come off the DL until Friday.