Rockies’ Trevor Story returning to lineup

Appearing on MLB Network Radio this morning, Rockies manager Bud Black indicated that Trevor Story, out since May 9 with a shoulder injury, will re-join the team in Philadelphia. He is expected to be available for the rest of the series.

The return of Story comes at an interesting time as the Rockies are in first place by two games over the Arizona Diamondbacks. They are also third in all of Major League Baseball in runs scored.

After finishing fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting following his breakout 2016 season, Story was off to a rough start to begin the year. His .180 batting average was roughly 100 points lower than his .272 mark from his rookie season, while his on base percentage was 50 points lower (.341 vs. .289).

The Rockies have stayed the course at shortstop during Story’s absence thanks to the solid play of Alexi Amarista and Pat Valaika, who have hit for average (Amarista hitting at .370) and some pop (Valaika has four home runs). Both of those players should return to bench roles with the return of Story to the everyday lineup and make the first place Rockies lineup even more scary 1-8.

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From a fantasy perspective, if Story is active he should be in your daily or weekly lineup. With the Rockies playing their current series in the bandbox known as Citizens Bank Park before returning home to face the Cardinals, Story will have ample opportunity to build on the early-season numbers that saw him hit six home runs with 15 RBI during the first month of the season. If he is sitting on any waiver wires, now is the time to add him.