SAN DIEGO -- Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez was removed from Thursday's game with the Padres before the bottom of the ninth with the score tied at 2 -- an unusual step considering Gonzalez is a two-time Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner and one of the game's stars. There was no immediate announcement on whether there was a reason beyond game strategy.
Gonzalez is slumping, at .200 after going 0-for-3 with a strikeout and a walk on Thursday.