Jonathan Herrera is still in the mix for the second base job, and a big reason why is because of his ability to hit in deep counts.

Rockies manager Jim Tracy is preaching a better two-strike approach from his team this season, and he's liked the results he's seen thus far. "There's no comparison," Tracy said. "I have seen significant strides taken." Jose Lopez is still likely to get most of the starts at second base, though the Rockies seem willing to trade him and install Herrera there.

Jonathan Herrera is off to terrific start this spring with five hits in his first eight at-bats.

Battling for the Rockies' final roster spot, Herrera has risen to the occasion thus far. The team knows he can hit from his contributions last season, but he is expected to be bench player even if he does make the team.

Thomas Harding at MLB.com suggests that Jonathan Herrera, Eric Young Jr., and Chris Nelson will battle for the Rockies' final roster spot.

Manager Jim Tracy praised Herrera for his hitting last season when the shortstop filled in for the injured Troy Tulowitzki, finishing with a .284/.352/.342 batting line in 222 at-bats. Still, the 26-year-old is not much more than a contact hitter with a little speed. Whoever wins the roster battle will assume primarily pinch-hitter and defensive replacement duties.

Jonathan Herrera reached base four times, scored twice, and stole a base against the Dodgers on Sunday

Herrera singled, doubled, and walked twice to raise his average to .294 in 187 at-bats since joining the Rockies. That he's added 21 walks make him a useful bench player, but Herrera's complete lack of power leave him unfit to be a regular.

Rockies recalled INF Jonathan Herrera from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

This move makes the Rockies short-handed in the bullpen again, but one wonders if Herrera was called up in anticipation of a possible move involving Clint Barmes. Herrera owns a .278/.335/.327 batting line to go along with one home run, three doubles, a triple and 15 RBI over 162 at-bats with the Rockies this season. He should stick with the club down the stretch.

Jonathan Herrera hit his first major league homer Monday off the Giants' Joe Martinez.

It came in his 186th major league at-bat. Herrera's offensive game is pretty much limited to singles. He entered the night with a .318/.348/.344 line in 122 at-bats this season, and while he has good speed, he was thrown out on two of his three steal attempts. He's certainly contributed more than the Rockies could have expected with Troy Tulowitzki out, but he should revert to being worthless in fantasy leagues when Tulo comes back next week.

Rockies recalled INF Jonathan Herrera from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Herrera has hit .286 with 11 RBI this season at Triple-A and can play both the outfield and infield. That kind of flexibility is needed in Colorado because Melvin Mora has been unable to play second base.