Trevor Story’s 3-Run Homer, Jordan Lyles Debut

Mar 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story (77) flips the ball to second baseman DJ LeMahieu (9) for an out against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story (77) flips the ball to second baseman DJ LeMahieu (9) for an out against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Trevor Story launched a three run blast during today’s spring training game between the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.  Story is making his case to be Colorado’s starting shortstop to begin the season with Jose Reyes status still in doubt.  On the mound, Jordan Lyles made his case for the starting rotation by throwing 2 innings, giving up 2 runs and striking out 2.  Jordan Lyles has shown he can pitch in the majors over the past few seasons but staying off the Disabled List has proven to be a challenge.

Apr 18, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jordan Lyles throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning during the game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jordan Lyles throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning during the game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

In his spring debut, Lyles gave up 2 runs on 3 hits, including a double and a triple, in two innings of work today.  The Rockies could really use Lyles in their unproven rotation this season.  He has the ability to go out and eat innings while still being effective enough to keep the opponent’s offense at bay.  Lyles also proved he can pitch at Coors Field where he could be even more effective this year with the new outfield fencing.

That same fencing could hamper Trevor Story’s ability to launch the long ball out of Coors Field.  Today however, he proved that won’t be an issue by blasting a three run shot out to dead center that traveled an estimated 442 feet.  With that kind of power Story should have no trouble hitting moonshots at the Rockies home ballpark.  Trevor is also making his case to be Colorado’s starting shortstop to begin the season with Jose Reyes status still up in the air.

More from Colorado Rockies News

Trevor Story has the offensive power to make him a weapon at Coors Field and the defensive prowess to play shortstop in Colorado’s stellar infield.  Plus, the Rockies will desperately need his right-handed bat in the lineup when they face lefties on the mound.  I think Story will break camp with the Rockies as their starting shortstop given the likely hood Jose Reyes will be suspended for the beginning of the year.  As long as Jordan Lyles stays off the Disabled List, he will be a welcome addition to the Rockies starting rotation that has lacked depth the past few seasons.  Tomorrow, Colorado will travel to Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Arizona to face the Oakland Athletics and projected starter Sean Manaea at 1:05 PM MST.

Next: Turn Back The Clock: Mike Hampton