DENVER — The Colorado Rockies fired manager Clint Hurdle yesterday, less than two years after their incredible "Roctober" run to the World Series, and replaced him with bench coach Jim Tracy for the rest of the season.

Without reliable hitting, pitching or defense, the Rockies stumbled to an 18-28 start and were 14 1/2 games behind Los Angeles in the NL West heading into last night's action.

"It has been a tremendous ride. It has been life lesson after life lesson," Hurdle said. "And I will tell you this, the last seven weeks I have said the serenity prayer more times than I did in the last seven years."

Hurdle, who had been Colorado's manager since replacing Buddy Bell three weeks into the 2002 season, was 534-625 for a .460 winning percentage in his seven-plus seasons.

"Obviously, he takes the sword for us," first baseman Todd Helton said in a subdued clubhouse. "He didn't have any bad at-bats, he didn't throw any bad pitches. He's the same manager he was two years ago. So, we realize that ultimately we're the reason he got fired."

Hurdle, who has been with the organization for 16 seasons, was offered a job in the club's front office but didn't address that opportunity at a news conference yesterday in which he answered no questions.

"I'll be pulling for them from afar," he said in wishing the Rockies well.

ASTROS

The Houston Astros placed second baseman Kaz Matsui on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right hamstring and purchased infielder Matt Kata's contract from Triple-A Round Rock. Matsui's replacement, rookie Edwin Maysonet, homered while going 4 for 4 and driving in four runs yesterday against Pittsburgh.

CARDINALS

The St. Louis Cardinals activated outfielder Ryan Ludwick (strained hamstring) from the 15-day disabled list. The Cardinals also placed shortstop Khalil Greene on the 15-day disabled list because of social anxiety disorder. The move was retroactive to Thursday.

GIANTS

The San Francisco Giants activated right-hander Sergio Romo from the 15-day disabled list yesterday. Romo sprained his right elbow during spring training and has not yet pitched in the majors this season. He successfully completed a 30-pitch simulated game at AT&T Park on Wednesday.

MARLINS

Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez is feeling better and could return to the starting lineup today against the New York Mets. Ramirez has been sidelined with tightness in his right groin. He left Tuesday night's 5-3 loss at Philadelphia in the third, shortly after he beat out a grounder to shortstop for an infield single.

METS

Outfielder Emil Brown was acquired by the New York Mets from the San Diego Padres for a player to be named. Later last night, the Mets traded backup catcher Ramon Castro and cash to the Chicago White Sox for pitcher Lance Broadway.

PHILLIES

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Brett Myers (4-3) will have hip surgery, and could miss the rest of the season. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Myers has a torn labrum and no date has been set for surgery. Myers was examined by Dr. Bryan Kelly in New York yesterday and Kelly recommended the surgery.

WHITE SOX

Outfielder Carlos Quentin, who led the Chicago White Sox in home runs last season with 36, went on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to Tuesday) yesterday with soreness in the bottom of his left foot. Quentin, 26, is hitting .229 with eight home runs.