FUENTES PROGRESS

Left-handed pitcher Brian Fuentes felt good the day after a bullpen session, according to manager Clint Hurdle, and he will throw in the bullpen at Coors Field Saturday.

The hope is Fuentes, out for a month with a pulled muscle below his left armpit, can go on a minor league rehabilitation assignment some time next week.

LITTLE BALL

Center fielder Willy Taveras understands the small-ball game, which was what made him attractive to the Rockies. But Hurdle said Taveras is even a better bunter than expected.

"He's the best bunter I've seen since (Rod) Carew and there's not a close second," Hurdle said.

Taveras leads the majors with 32 bunt hits this season, which equals the second- highest total since 1974, when STATS, Inc. began recording bunt hits.

Kenny Lofton had 32 for Cleveland in 1992 and Brett Butler had 42 with the Dodgers in 1992.

HONORED

Outfielder Seth Smith of Triple-A Colorado Springs and shortstop Chris Nelson of Single-A Modesto (Calif.) were selected the Rockies Organizational Players of the Month for July.

Left-hander Xavier Cedeño of Modesto was selected Pitcher of the Month.

Smith hit a Pacific Coast League-leading .417 in the month with seven home runs, nine doubles, two triples, 29 RBI, 22 runs and 13 walks in 31 games.

He had an 18-game hitting streak from July 12-27.

Nelson hit .368 with nine home runs, 11 doubles, 41 RBI and 34 runs in 27 games.

Cedeño was 4-0 with a 2.90 ERA in five starts.

He allowed only a .212 batting average.