ROCKIES: Francis to Return Next Week

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jeff Francis will rejoin the Rockies’ rotation next week, barring a setback in his second Double-A rehab start on Saturday, according to the Rocky Mountain News.

BOTTOM LINE: Even though the Rockies’ season has been awful, they are not out of it. The pathetic NL West is allowing them to still be in the race, and that may prevent them from being sellers at the trade deadline. Activate Francis when he returns.

ROCKIES: Fuentes Sets Club Record

Colorado Rockies reliever Brian Fuentes tied the Rockies’ club record with his 102nd career save on Wednesday. He also set a club record by retiring his 22nd consecutive batter.

BOTTOM LINE: The consecutive batter streak came to an end later in the inning, but Fuentes has been excellent of late. He is driving up his price as we speak. Although many media outlets believe Fuentes will b e traded, performances like this lead us to believe that it’s becoming more and more likely that he will finish the year as the Rockies’ closer.

ROCKIES: Tulowitzki is Back

Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is 7-for-9 (six singles, one double) in two games since coming off the DL. Tulowitzki’s surge has raised his batting average to .200, its highest point since April 8.

BOTTOM LINE: While Tulowitzki is heading in the right direction, he has a long way to go. He is a guy who you want to activate, especially while he is going good.

ROCKIES: Barmes Slumping Badly

Colorado Rockies infielder Clint Barmes went 0-for-5 on Wednesday and is 1-for-his-last-18 and 9-for-his-last-44.

BOTTOM LINE: It is only a matter of time before he is replaced by Jeff Baker. Barmes’ days as a starting player are numbered, and he should be cut in all fantasy formats.

ROCKIES: Happy Holliday

Colorado Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday had a monster homestand, he hit .429 (12-for-28), three homers, 10 RBI, eight runs scored and three stolen base in just seven games.

BOTTOM LINE: There has been some talk that the Rockies could deal the star outfielder if they fall far enough out of contention, and he is doing his best to showcase his abilities. Start him in all formats.

ROCKIES: Hawpe Having Trouble

Colorado Rockies outfielder Brad Hawpe is 0-for-8 in his last two games with six strikeouts.

BOTTOM LINE: The troubling thing isn’t that he is 0-for-8, but the six strikeouts are alarming. He is hitting just .234 against lefties on the season, and the Rockies next three games are against southpaws. If you have Hawpe, consider benching him this weekend.

ROCKIES: Hawpe an Everyday Player

Colorado Rockies outfielder Brad Hawpe will not be platooning any time soon. Manager Clint Hurdle wants to keep starting Hawpe on an everyday basis.

BOTTOM LINE: Hawpe’s .326 average since returning from the DL has helped his case, and keep him active until his role changes completely.

ROCKIES: Atkins’ Diet Includes Lefties

Colorado Rockies third basemen Garrett Atkins is hitting .474 versus lefties this season, which is best in the majors.

BOTTOM LINE: Atkins eats up the lefties, but his homer and RBI numbers are split evenly against both lefties and righties. Keep him active in all formats.

ROCKIES: Helton Struggling

Colorado Rockies first basemen Todd Helton only has two hits in his last 19 at bats. He only has three extra base hits and five RBI this month.

BOTTOM LINE: Helton’s averages throughout the months this season have been pretty consistent, but it is quite evident that the Rockies slugger is definitely on the downside of his career. He isn’t the fantasy player he used to be.

ROCKIES: Tulowitzki to Return

Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki received a positive evaluation from the Rockies’ medical staff and will play in a couple minor league games. He should be back in the majors by Friday.

BOTTOM LINE: Although he struggled to start the season, Tulowitzki should provide the Rockies with a huge lift. The replacements have not been getting the job done, and if his bat gets hot, the Rockies will be in much better shape.