“I love to compete” – Greeley Tribune

MINNEAPOLIS — Not only was Jose Iglesias the Rockies’ most reliable hitter this season, he was their top hitter in the clutch.

The veteran shortstop went into the game against the Twins on Saturday night with a .426 hit (20-47) with runners in goal position, the third-highest average in the majors and the highest in the National League.

“In my career in general, I’ve done a pretty good job in this situation,” said Iglesias, whose career average with runners in the scoring position is .306. “I like the challenge. And I like to win and I like the adrenaline of a good game. It just brings out the best in me.”

Iglesias doesn’t change his approach or shorten his swing when he sees a teammate on second or third base. He just concentrates a little more.

“I love to compete and I love these situations,” said Iglesias. “That’s me. Coming through for the team at a big point can change a whole season. That one little moment can really kick-start a team.”

Manager Bud Black is of course aware of his shortstop’s ability to get through the clutch. Black said there are a number of traits that contribute to Iglesias’ performance.

“It’s definitely focus and it’s definitely stillness,” Black said. “There’s a balance and a calmness that comes with his experience. It’s who he is as a person. He is very confident in his abilities.”

Black added that Iglesias has solid hit-to-ball skills, can manipulate his swing and studies opposing pitchers.

“He’s a bat leader in those situations,” Black said. “That’s a huge benefit.”

Iglesias has also done well on the road.

As a team, the Rockies average a .240 on the road, 14th in the majors. However, Iglesias has been developing successfully outside of Coors Field, posting a .372 (42 to 113) street average that placed second in the majors and first in the NL and came into play on Saturday.

B-Day bard. Closer Daniel Bard turned 37 on Saturday, making him one of 26 active major leagues age 37 or older.

Bard is having one of the best seasons of his career, making 15 out of 17 saves with a 1.88 ERA. His 15 saves are seventh best in the majors and fourth best in the NL.

“He’s natural with an arm that works,” said Black, who played in the majors until he was 38. “And he keeps himself in good shape and is athletic.”

Bryant update. Outfielder Kris Bryant, who plays for Triple-A Albuquerque, hit a double Friday night for his first goal during his rehab spell. Bryant, whose back injury limited him to 17 games with the Rockies, was 1-for-10 with five strikeouts in his first three rehab games with the Isotopes.

The Rockies are hoping Bryant, who has not played in a big league game since May 22, can rejoin them during their homestand next week.