Ben Paulsen is out of the lineup Friday against the Diamondbacks, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Paulsen is out of the lineup Friday against the Diamondbacks, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Analysis:

Paulsen had found himself in the lineup in the Rockies' previous four games, though the fact that the team had the DH spot available for the three of the contests might have had something to do with it. It appeared that Paulsen had a handle on the larger share of platoon duties at first base with Wilin Rosario, but the lefty-hitting Paulsen will find himself on the bench even though the matchup against righty Chase Anderson would seem to favor him. Don't interpret it just yet as a sign that Rosario has emerged as manager Walt Weiss' preferred option, as the situation has been rather fluid throughout the duration of Justin Morneau's absence due to a neck injury.