Hurdle retreated to his home before yesterday's practice when he came down with a case of the chills. He said he wasn't feeling much better during today's workout at Coors Field.

The Rockies begin the NL championship series Thursday night at Arizona.

"Obviously, nobody wants to be sick right now, so I don't even know if he's here," star Matt Holliday said.

Told that he was, Holliday responded: "I'm going to steer clear."

"That's usually my plan anyway," he said.

Because of a sore throat and other symptoms, Hurdle canceled his usual chat with reporters. He wanted to avoid having media members taking the flu bug back into the clubhouse and spreading it around.

Hurdle spent the first part of the workout behind the batting cage talking with his coaches. He then walked around the outfield, chatting with various players but keeping several feet of distance between them.