Rockies first basemen Ben Paulsen hits first career home run
By Mike Marteny
The Colorado Rockies recalled first baseman Ben Paulsen from AAA Colorado Springs today and inserted him into the starting lineup. How did he repay them? He hit his first career home run into the pool at Chase Field in Phoenix!
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Paulsen was originally called up earlier this season when Justin Morneau went down with an injury. He did well in his seven games, going 10-22 with four doubles and two RBI, but he never did get that elusive home run.
That changed today when he took Wade Miley deep after a leadoff walk to Drew Stubbs to open the second inning. That tied the game at 2-2.
Big Ben got the start at first base today to give Morneau the day off, but with Morneau healthy, regular at bats could be hard to come by for the 26 year old Paulsen. He will likely have to displace Stubbs or Brandon Barnes at one of the corner outfield spots to see regular duty this time around in the major leagues.
However, with the Rockies going nowhere fast, there is always the possibility that they want to see what they have in Paulsen, and could give him a regular run at either first base or right field. Or both.
Trades can still be made if a player clears waivers, so they may elect to put Stubbs and/or Morneau on trade waivers to see what they can get.
At any rate, Paulsen continues to hit whenever they put him in the lineup. His is now 10-23 in his brief major league career.