STEPPING UP

Right-handed pitcher Matt Herges knew the end was near last winter when his phone never rang. Finally, he started calling, looking for work and took a minor league job with the Rockies. He got a glimpse of the Rockies early in the season, making two less-than-stellar appearances,then got a better chance in early July. He has made good on it.

Herges is 2-0 with and 2.96 ERA, having worked 6 1/3 scoreless innings during his past four appearances and retiring 19 of 21 batters.

"It's like throwing change in the jar in the corner," manager Clint Hurdle said. "You keep throwing coins in, and then you can't pick it up. When he first came up, he was a power arm. Now he knows how to pitch. . . . He has a chance to be a successful pitching coach if he ever chooses to do so."

NUMBERS GAME

254 runs by the Rockies with two out, the third-most two-out runs in the NL. Philadelphia leads with 275, followed by Atlanta with 259.

TAKING THEIR TESTS

Outfielder Willy Taveras began his minor league rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Colorado Springs on Monday. The plan is for Taveras to test his strained right quadriceps in four consecutive games, playing nine innings Wednesday and Thursday, take Friday off and be activated by the Rockies on Saturday, when the active roster expands to 40 players.

Jeff Baker, recovering from a mild concussion, played first base for Colorado Springs on Monday, his first appearance in the field after serving as a designated hitter twice during the weekend.

Right-hander Aaron Cook will throw 25 pitches to hitters today to test his strained left side muscle. He could still pitch in a minor league game before being activated.