Story may still return this year

P HOENIX» Slugging Rockies shortstop Trevor Story was not in the starting lineup for Friday night’s game against Arizona, and manager Bud Black said Story could possibly be out for two or three more games. But there is a chance Story will return this season as the Rockies attempt to qualify for the playoffs.

The allstar missed two games in Los Angeles after injuring his right elbow while diving and then making a throw Monday night against the Dodgers.

“My thinking is, another day, another two days, maybe three. … I’m not sure,” Black said Friday afternoon. “It’s going to depend on some of the tests that Trevor does.”

Black added that Story’s progress gives the club confidence that Story will play “in the next 10 days. I wish I could tell you when.”

Story took some swings in batting practice and played catch Thursday and Friday, saying it was a big step forward. Story also said he thought he might be able to be a pinch hitter Friday night, but Black said that at this point Story would most likely be limited to pinchrunning duties.

Story said Wednesday that he felt “relief, for sure,” when an MRI confirmed no major issues with his ulnar collateral ligament.

After receiving treatment Thursday during the Rockies’ day off, Story had hoped he might be able to play in Friday’s series opener against the Diamond backs, but he’s not ready yet.

“That was the hope, but we are trying to stay away from timelines, just to be smart,” Story said. “But I feel a lot better with the treatment the last two days, and (getting) a lot of rest. We know we don’t have a lot of time (left in the season), but we want to be smart with it.”

Story said he “tested the waters” on Friday and called it a “very positive day.” But he also said he still has not cut loose with his throws.