Rockies shortstop Trevor Story was forced to exit Monday night's eventual loss to the Dodgers because of elbow soreness. The team scheduled him for further examination on Tuesday, and while there were significant concerns earlier in the day, it appears that Story will be just fine and back in the lineup before week's end:
According to Bud Black, no major structural damage to Story’s ligament or joint. Trevor is sore, has inflammation, hopeful to get him back. Sounds like good news.
— Ryan Spilborghs (@spillygoat19) September 19, 2018
Consider that a big break for the Rockies. Had Story required Tommy John surgery -- or, really, any kind of prolonged rest -- he would've missed the rest of the season.
Entering Tuesday, he Rockies trailed the Dodgers by a half-game in the NL West with two games left in their current head-to-head series. The Rockies were also a half-game behind the Cardinals for the second NL wild-card spot.
Story this season has batted .288/.343/.550 (122 OPS+) with 78 extra-base hits and more than 300 total bases in 149 games. Even after you account for Coors Field, that's strong production, especially for a plus-fielding shortstop who's also stolen 26 bases. He figures to receive MVP consideration -- especially if the Rockies can fight their way into the postseason.
