A right thumb sprain sidelined Trevor Story for nearly two weeks, but the Rockies will welcome back their star shortstop on Tuesday.
Per the team’s announcement, Chi Chi Gonzalez will be sent back to Triple-A Albuquerque in a corresponding move.
Prior to his ailment, Story was hitting .294 with 39 extra-base hits, including 17 home runs. The infielder has also swiped 12 bags on the year. He stands as one of four players in the majors with 15-or-more long balls and double-digit steals.
Story’s combination of speed and power is a welcome addition back into the Rockies’ order.
“Trevor’s a good player,” Manager Bud Black said. “He’s a guy that does so many things well.”
In his return, the newly-minted All-Star is set to hit second as the club opens their series against the Houston Astros. The two-game set is the Rockies’ second-to-last series before the All-Star break.
“All I was focused on (during my rehab assignment) was how my thumb was feeling,” Story said. “It felt good, felt solid… it was a good rehab assignment and I’m excited to be back.”
In his stead, the club utilized a variety of players, including Pat Valaika and Brendan Rodgers. The latter has since been added to the injured list with a right shoulder impingement.
Gonzalez, after taking over for Jeff Hoffman, accrued two starts in his first stint in the majors since 2016. In nine innings, he allowed six earned runs and registered six strikeouts and walks apiece.
“(Gonzalez) kept us in games,” Black said. “I thought, overall, from a stuff standpoint, I think his stuff plays. His mix of pitches and what he does to get outs, I think, is something that you can be encouraged about.”
Tommy John surgery kept Gonzalez out for the entire 2017 season. With a day off on Thursday, the club will not be forced to name a replacement in the rotation until likely after the break.
