SECOND OPINION

Right-handed pitcher Rodrigo Lopez is headed to Los Angeles to receive a second opinion on his right elbow injury from Dr. Lewis Yocum.

Lopez has been diagnosed as having a torn flexor pronator tendon in his right elbow, an injury that normally requires surgery to mend, making it doubtful Lopez, who will be a potential free agent in the postseason, will pitch again for the Rockies.

While the Rockies are concerned about Lopez, they are comfortable with the organizational depth to replace him in the rotation. Jason Hirsh, out since July 2 with a sprained right ankle, will be activated and start tonight.

NUMBERS GAME

2.17 ERA for left-hander Franklin Morales and a 3-0 record in his past four starts for Double-A Tulsa (Okla.), including allowing one unearned run in in a complete game Sunday. He was promoted to Triple-A Colorado Springs and will start Friday.

HE SAID IT

"I told (him) we acquired him because he was a patient hitter and an aggressive defender, and he had become an aggressive hitter and patient defender. He needed to get back to being himself. Right now, he's playing as well as we've seen him."

Clint Hurdle, Rockies manager, on second baseman Jamey Carroll, who is hitting .339 during his past 16 starts.