MLB rumors: Why Yankees fans will be keeping an eye on Rockies this weekend

DENVER — With the New York Yankees rumored to be looking at a Colorado Rockies outfielder as a potential trade deadline acquisition, the eyes of the Bronx could be on south Florida this weekend as MLB rumors swirl.

As we reported earlier in the week, the Yankees and Rockies have been linked together as potential trade partners around outfielder Randal Grichuk. The 31-year-old Grichuk has not played since leaving Friday’s game in Denver against the Yankees after a 2-for-2 performance because of a groin issue.

At the time, the pull of Grichuk from the game was said to be precautionary, but Grichuk has not been in the lineup since then, including Tuesday’s opener at Coors Field against the Houston Astros.

MLB rumors: New York Yankees keeping an eye on Randal Grichuk this weekend?

Before Tuesday’s game, Grichuk ran the bases pregame and didn’t seem to be limited. Colorado manager Bud Black indicated in his pregame media scrum that Grichuk was “on the comeback trail.” Black went on to say that Grichuk would take some swings and work in the outfield as well.

“Like we said, it’s going to be a short-term thing,” Black said. “Maybe even as early as tomorrow.”

Grichuk could potentially return for Wednesday’s matinee against the Astros, but then the Rockies leave to face the Miami Marlins with a series beginning on Friday. With a day game on Wednesday, Grichuk playing after an off day on Thursday certainly makes sense.

With rumors swirling around him, Grichuk has been heating up, slashing .348/.423/.826 with three home runs in his last seven games (23 at-bats). Pull that out to his last 50 at-bats and Grichuk is slashing .320/.370/.640, likely upping his trade value as he is scheduled to be a free agent at the end of the season.

Colorado hopes that Grichuk can continue his hot streak when he returns from his injury, and plenty of teams (including the Yankees) are likely looking to see that same thing when the Rockies take the field in Miami.