Colorado Rockies injury report: Why Nolan Arenado is not in starting lineup

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 18: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies takes a moment in the dugout during a MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on June 18, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 18: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies takes a moment in the dugout during a MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on June 18, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Colorado Rockies will start their Saturday game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Coors Field without their All-Star third baseman in the starting lineup.

Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black told Rox Pile and other media members on Saturday afternoon that Nolan Arenado was battling through some issues with his back and side that would keep him out of the starting lineup. Those issues first showed up during Colorado’s series in San Francisco and were some of the reasons why Arenado did not finish Friday night’s win over the Brewers.

"“He has a little but of a sore side and a back issue that happened in San Francisco,” Black said. “He played through it in San Francisco. He played through it last night. You saw some of the swings that weren’t quite Nolan-like. We decided not to start him tonight. He’s probably doubtful. He’s a little sore.”"

More from Colorado Rockies News

The Rockies complete their season on Sunday in the finale of a three-game series against the Brewers in Denver.

Arenado finished Friday’s game hitting .315 for the season, his highest-ever average. He also has 41 home runs (one short of his career-high) and, with his 118 RBI, has 110 or more RBI in each of his last five seasons. The 28-year-old has also been more disciplined at the plate, logging just 93 strikeouts, his lowest figure since he played in just 111 games in 2014.

Speaking of Arenado’s home runs this season, his last one on September 20 tied him with former teammate Carlos Gonzalez for the fourth-most in franchise history with 227.

Since August 1, Arenado is batting .339 with eight doubles, 19 homers and 37 RBI. He ranks second in the National League in homers, third in batting average and is tied for 10th in RBI during that span. His 1.112 OPS ranks first in that time frame.

Next. Is an All-Star Game coming to Denver soon?. dark

Arenado also ranks among the NL leaders in total bases (343, tied for second), hit (185, third), RBI (118, tied for fourth), and slugging percentage (.583, fifth).