Although Rockies first baseman Wilin Rosario is batting .357/.357/.786 in 10 games this season, the 26-year-old was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday to make room for relief pitcher John Axford.
Rosario, who has been sharing time at first with Justin Morneau, is upset about the demotion.
"I don't feel good," Rosario said, via the Denver Post. "I'd be lying to you if I said that. I need to be here. I'm playing at a big league level. They need a couple pitchers this week. After that, I'll be back."
Axford returns after missing 10 days while caring for his 2-year-old son, who is recovering from a rattlesnake bite suffered Scottsdale, Ariz., while Axford was in spring training.
Axford has made one appearance this season, pitching a scoreless 10th inning to earn a save last Wednesday in a 5-4 win over the Brewers. The right-hander joined the Rockies this year after spending time in 2014 with the Indians and Pirates.
The Rockies also placed relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins on the disabled list with a biceps injury and recalled 25-year-old right-hander Scott Oberg from Albuquerque.