Rockies manager Jim Tracy defended his decision to again sit All-Star Brad Hawpe, who batted .194 with only seven RBIs and 25 strikeouts in September. Hawpe went 0-for-3 in Game 1 of the NL Division Series and didn’t play in Game 2.

“It’s not easy, believe me,” Tracy said. “He has been struggling here as of late. When I sit down to write a lineup, it’s with the best interests of every guy in that clubhouse in mind, and not one specific individual.”

Rockies change lineupThe Rockies juggled their lineup when Philadelphia started left-hander J.A. Happ instead of Pedro Martinez, moving Yorvit Torrealba to the No. 5 spot, with Garrett Atkins hitting sixth, Ryan Spilborghs seventh and Clint Barmes eighth.

Tracy said Torrealba’s surge also prompted the change, calling Torrealba “the guy right now versus a left-handed pitcher that you would want to see take the at-bat with a lot of traffic out there. He has done a terrific job. He has taken huge at-bats to help us get into the playoffs, and he had some good at-bats in the first two games.”

Etc.Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels, the starter for a potential Game 5 on Tuesday, remained in Philadelphia with his newborn son. … Game 4 today at Coors Field is 4:07 p.m. because the Angels swept the Red Sox and the Yankees swept the Twins in the ALDS. Game 5, if necessary, has been pushed to 6:07 p.m. … Torrealba’s son, 12-year-old Yorvit Eduardo, kidnapped in June in Venezuela, threw Sunday’s ceremonial first pitch. … FSN Rocky Mountain recorded its highest season rating for Rockies telecasts.

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