Colorado Rockies roster news: Story back from injury, Hoffman sent down

As expected, the Colorado Rockies made a move on Tuesday afternoon to once again give themselves a four-man bench. They welcomed back a familiar face from injury while sending down a pitcher who continues to prove he belongs at the Major League level sooner than later.

Prior to the second game of their four-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Rockies reinstated shortstop Trevor Story from the 10-day disabled list and optioned right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman to Triple-A Albuquerque.

The 24-year-old Story was placed on the 10-day disabled list May 11 with a strained left shoulder. In four rehab games with Albuquerque, Story batted .273 (3-for-11) with one home run, two RBI, two walks, three strikeouts and one stolen base.

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He will return to the Rockies hoping to find the average and power he displayed in his rookie season. Story has batted .180 (20-for-111) with six doubles, six home runs, 15 RBI, 17 walks and 48 strikeouts in 33 games with the Rockies this season. He did, however, show promising signs just before going on the disabled list, hitting safely in three of four games. During that stretch, he went 5-for-14 (.357) at the plate.

The 24-year-old Hoffman was recalled prior to Monday’s game at Philadelphia and made his second start of the season. He earned his second career win after pitching a career-high seven innings and allowing one run on three hits with no walks and seven strikeouts in Monday’s 8-1 win over the Phillies.

The right-hander is 2-0 with a 3.29 ERA three appearances with two starts for Colorado this season. He earned his first career win May 11 against the Los Angeles Dodgers after allowing three runs on six hits with two walks and a career-high eight strikeouts.

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While Hoffman has once again been sent to Triple A, it’s thought that the Rockies will find room for him on the 25-man roster in the near future. However, with Kyle Freeland and Antonio Senzatela performing well in the rookie seasons and Jon Gray coming back to the Rockies reportedly within the next month, it could be tougher than expected.