Quick Read
- Kyle Karros is out of the lineup for Thursday’s series opener against the Padres.
- Willi Castro will take over third base duties while Edouard Julien starts at second.
- This is Karros’s second time benched this season following a series against Houston.
DENVER (Azat TV) – Colorado Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros is absent from the starting lineup for Thursday’s series opener against the San Diego Padres. The 23-year-old infielder is receiving a scheduled day off following a demanding three-game series against the Houston Astros that concluded Wednesday.
Rotation Shifts for Rockies Infield
The decision to bench Karros has prompted a defensive reshuffle for the Rockies. Willi Castro has been tapped to take over duties at the hot corner, while Edouard Julien will handle responsibilities at second base. This adjustment comes as the team looks to balance its defensive depth early in the 2026 season.
Recent Performance and Usage
Karros, who has been a consistent presence in the Rockies’ infield, recently recorded a 2-for-7 performance with four walks and an RBI during the Houston series. His current omission marks only his second time out of the starting lineup this season, with his first benching occurring this past Sunday. The coaching staff appears to be managing his workload carefully as the team navigates a dense schedule of games.
The strategic rotation of Karros suggests that the Rockies are prioritizing player conditioning in the early stages of the season, utilizing utility options like Castro to maintain defensive stability while providing rest for their primary third baseman.