Paulsen stays sharp despite lack of starts

CINCINNATI — The Rockies are benefitting from the low-maintenance left-handed bat of Ben Paulsen.

With his team up one run on Trevor Story’s eighth-inning homer Monday night, Paulsen added three runs with a no-doubter off the Reds’ Jumbo Diaz to provide cushion for a 5-1 victory. Monday was just Paulsen’s sixth start and 11th appearance of the season, but he has produced — .308 with three doubles and the homer entering play Tuesday, when manager Walt Weiss started him in left field against the Reds.

Paulsen is also working in a first base tandem with Mark Reynolds. Weiss would like both to be productive. Paulsen’s ability to stay ready even when at-bats aren’t numerous allows the Rockies to let Reynolds, who started at first base Tuesday, to work toward a groove.

“Benny is one of those guys who may not be in there every day; he’s going to be in there often,” Weiss said. “It comes down to your routine and being able to stay sharp on days that you’re not in there.

“Benny has worked a lot on his timing and his rhythm. He’s got a plan that he feels good about. We talked about it this offseason. He was in a good place coming into Spring Training with his …

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