The Trevor Story All-Star campaign got off to a bit of a bumpy start this spring.
Between a couple of early slumps and an elbow strain that required a brief stint on the injured list, the veteran Rockies shortstop didn’t have much of a stump speech going for him two months into the 2021 season.
Consider Story’s four home runs over the past six games his October surprise … in, uh, June.
Too little, too late? Or could the two-time All-Star actually play his way into the game scheduled for July 13 at Coors Field?
“I don’t see why not,” Story said prior to going 1-for-4 in Sunday’s 5-0 loss at Milwaukee.
“That’s certainly not the first thing in my mind. The way I am focused on it is through the process and trying to be consistent. But, yeah, I don’t see why not. Just go out there and play the way that I’m capable of and we’ll see what happens.”
Over the past two weeks, Story has regained his form at the plate as he gradually works his way back from a right elbow strain that sidelined him at the start of the month.
Entering Sunday, the 28-year-old slashed .333/.408/.690 with four homers, three doubles and 11 RBIs since June 14. A swing that produced just five home runs over the first 50 games of the season was responsible for three during Colorado’s five-game road trip.
“It’s really close,” Story said of the status of his swing. “I think if I can say that, then I’m good with going in and competing on a day-in, day-out basis, because throughout the year you’re not going to feel like you have your ‘A’ swing the whole time.”
That this development has come on the road — where the Rockies offense has been dreadful — is a needed development.
Following Sunday’s loss, the Rockies are now hitting below the Mendoza line at .196 on the road — by far the worst in the majors. They also had an MLB-low 22 road home runs, nine less than the next team on the list (Pittsburgh).
If Colorado hopes to salvage a season seemingly headed for 90-plus losses, those numbers must improve. The same can be said for Story’s overall stats (.254/.327/.433 slash line, nine homers) if he’s to play before the home faithful in LoDo come All-Star week.
“I have a special desire to be a part of all (All-Star games) regardless of where they are at,” said Story, whose been the subject of consistent trade rumors due to his lame duck contract status. “But there is a little bit more I guess ‘specialness’ to this one because it’s at Coors and it will be able to be in front of the home fans.
“I know that they will turn out and I know it will be a special experience for the city and all involved.”
Colorado shut out. The finalists for the All-Star fan voting were revealed Sunday, with nary a Rockies player to be found.
Still, every team is guaranteed at least one player on the roster. And if it’s not going to be Story, the veteran offered a couple other suggestions — infielder Ryan McMahon and outfield Raimel Tapia.
“I think we’ve had some guys kind of take that next step in their career,” Story said. “Like Tapia, he’s been really good for us — the 17-game hit streak and he’s taken over some games, and I think he’s playing at an all-star level.
“And the same with McMahon. He carried us for the first two or three months and plays really good defense. I think that’s very underrated that a lot of people don’t give him his due for is he makes a lot of great plays. It’s fun to watch him. He’s impacting the game on both sides of the ball on a very high level right now.”
Manager Bud Black listed off those same two names first when asked postgame Sunday about which Rockies might be most deserving of an All-Star nod. As for his thoughts on the Rockies getting shut out, Black didn’t sound too outraged that his 31-47 team was without a finalist.
“Historically, in most cases, the bigger market teams get out there a little bit,” he said. “I don’t know exactly the format this year, but there’s usually a bigger market for players who have a track record or tenure in the league that are name recognized by fans.”
Opening Day 2.0. With the Rockies finally allowed to return to full capacity at Coors Field, the team is holding an “Opening Day 2.0” for Monday’s afternoon affair against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The production will be similar to a regular opening day, with fireworks accompanying the National Anthem and a traditional 3:10 p.m. start.
“I hope it’s a sellout,” Black said. “I know there’s going to be a lot of festivities, I know that the Rockies organization is going to do it up right, and I know the players will be excited to hopefully play in front of a full capacity.”
Footnote. The Rockies recalled right-hander Antonio Santos from Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday, and made room by optioning left-hander Ben Bowden to Triple-A. Santos was solid in two appearances earlier this season with the big club, posting a 2.45 ERA with two strikeouts, two walks and three hits in 3 2/3 innings.
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Can Rockies shortstop Trevor Story still play his way into All-Star Game in LoDo? “I don’t see why not” - The Denver Post
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