Rockies shortstop Trevor Story doesn’t want to make swinging for the fences too complicated.
“For me, it’s pretty simple,” Story said Saturday. “Just try to hit as many homers as I can. That’s the only strategy there is to have.”
Story, of course, was talking about Monday night’s All-Star Home Run Derby at Coors Field. In the first round, he’ll compete against Texas Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo. The favorite to win launch-fest is Los Angeles Angels two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani.
“The nerves are going to be there and there’s going to be a lot of excitement,” Story said. “But it’s something I’m looking forward to. It’s a special opportunity to do something at Coors, for the home club.”
At one point, Story’s 505-foot homer on Sept. 5, 2018, was ranked as the longest home run even measured at Coors Field during the Statcast era (since 2015). However, that projection of Story’s homer no longer tops the chart. Now it’s tied for third, after being recalculated at 487 feet.
Story said he plans to swing at about 70% power to send the ball over the wall, much like he does during batting practice when he’s focused on hitting a homer. He admitted, however, that adrenaline might have him swinging at “more like 95%.”
“But I’ll try to keep (the effort) down,” he added.
But with powerful sluggers like Ohtani and the Mets’ Pete Alonso (the 2019 derby champion) certain to put on a show, Story admitted he wants to hit a couple of jaw-droppers.
“I think I will let it rip, at least a couple of times,” Story said. “But there is a fine line by trying to do that too many times and kind of tiring yourself out.”
Sho-time. All eyes will be on Ohtani Monday night. Story thinks the Angels’ slugger has a chance to hit the ball over the Rooftop party deck high above the right-field stands.
“I think he can do it,” Story said. “He’s got a chance — and I know it sounds crazy — but he has a chance to hit one over the rooftop. We’ll see.”
Rockies manager Bud Black said: “I think SmashBurger is in play,” referring to the restaurant in the Rooftop party area. Black predicted that Gallo or Ohtani will hit the longest home run.
Gomber update. Injured lefty starter Austin Gomber (left forearm) threw two simulated innings Saturday (35 pitches) as he works his way back into the rotation. He’s scheduled to throw a side session on Wednesday and could make a minor league rehab start as early as Friday, Black said.
Adams returns. Veteran first baseman Matt Adams returned from the injured list Saturday. He went on the 10-day IL on June 9 with a right elbow strain. Right-hander José Mujica, who was brought in to give the bullpen emergency depth but did not appear in a game, was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque.
On Deck
Rockies RHP Jon Gray (5-6, 3.94) at Padres LHP Ryan Weathers (4-2, 3.02)
2:10 p.m. Sunday, Petco Park
TV: ATTRM
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM
Like all of Colorado’s starters, Gray has been pitching well of late. He’s 1-0 with a 2.65 ERA, 23 strikeouts and just five walks over his last three starts since coming off the injured list. He landed on the IL with a right flexor strain and a sore elbow. Gray, so good at Coors Field, has yet to lock down a road this season, going 0-4 with a 5.16 ERA. He is 0-2 with a 3.97 ERA vs. San Diego this season, and he’s 10-6 with a 3.06 ERA in 23 games (22 starts) all-time vs. the Padres. Weathers, 21, picked up the victory in his last start on Tuesday, despite getting hammered by the Nationals. The Nats pounded Weathers for four runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Josh Harrison hit a three-run homer and Juan Soto had a solo blast.
Trending: The Rockies were held to just four hits Friday night, the 18th time this season they have had four or fewer hits, and 14 of those weak offensive performances have come on the road.
At issue: Right fielder Charlie Blackmon’s struggles at the plate continue. Entering Saturday night’s game, he was hitting .221 with one double and one triple through his last 18 games. He has not hit a home run since June 3 vs. Texas.
Pitching probables
Monday: MLB All-Star break begins
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