Fowler works to end slump with Sky Sox

Dexter Fowler showcased his stellar speed and defense this season when he made a lunging catch of a deep fly by Atlanta Braves slugger Troy Glaus, the key defensive play in a no-hitter by Colorado Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez on April 17.

But players don't usually stick in the big leagues unless they also can hit consistently. Fowler, 24, learned that May 31 when he was demoted to Triple-A Colorado Springs after being unable to snap a prolonged slump.

The 6-foot-5-inch center fielder was hitting .216 with one home run and four RBIs in 47 games in his second season with Colorado. He had two hits in his last 20 at-bats when he was farmed out.

"(The demotion is) actually a blessing in disguise, because I've been playing every day here," Fowler said Saturday before going 1-for-6 in the Sky Sox's 10-1 victory over the 51s (27-36) at Cashman Field. "Up there, I was sitting on the bench a little bit, so I'm just happy to get the opportunity to play."

Strictly a right-handed hitter through high school, Fowler began switch hitting when he turned pro. He hit .341 (14-for-41) against left-handers for the Rockies this season, but was struggling mightily against right-handers at .163 (16-for-98).

Despite statistics to the contrary, Fowler maintains he is equally comfortable from both sides of the plate.

"He's really worked hard on it during batting practice and doing extra work," Colorado Springs manager Stu Cole said. "He came down here with the right mindset, and he's been giving us a lot of good, quality at-bats. He's been a real big help for our ballclub."

Batting left-handed Saturday, Fowler led off with a sharp single to right field, stole second and scored on a sacrifice fly. He went hitless in his final five at-bats.

In 11 games with Colorado Springs (29-32), Fowler is batting .391 (18-for-46) with a homer, triple, five doubles, seven RBIs and 13 runs. He has impressed Cole with above-average speed and defense.

"His defensive play is outstanding. He makes everything look so easy out there," Cole said. "Offensively, he can put a lot of pressure on the defense … because he'll take an extra base in a heartbeat. His speed really does play a big part in his game."

After having a career year for Double-A Tulsa in 2008, Fowler -- a 14th-round draft pick by Colorado in 2004 -- spent all but three games with the Rockies last year. He hit .266 with a .363 on-base percentage and had four homers, 29 doubles, 10 triples, 34 RBIs and 73 runs in 135 games.

Fowler finished sixth in the National League in stolen bases with 27, including a rookie record-tying five in one game against the San Diego Padres.

"It's a matter of time before he gets called back up," Cole said. "We're just here to try to get him back on track and get him ready."

■ NOTES -- The Toronto Blue Jays optioned right-hander Rommie Lewis to Las Vegas. … 51s catcher J.P. Arencibia homered for the fourth straight game and fifth time in six games, giving him the team lead with 13. … Las Vegas made a season-high five errors and leads the Pacific Coast League with 76.

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354.