Planned day off proves to be beneficial for Rockies outfielder

Starting the season 0-for-11 from the dish, with a team that was swept in their first series of the season and lost by one run in every game, must be incredibly demoralizing.

Brenton Doyle was absent from the lineup Monday night, a decision stemming from the need for him to rest and reset.

Warren Schaeffer opted to use Doyle in the top of the sixth inning as a pinch-hitter for Jake McCarthy, thus negating Doyle's planned day off. McCarthy's recent struggles at the plate led to the decision.

Even more impressive, Doyle singled on the second pitch he saw, a knuckle curve down and away. He hit it where it was pitched, roping a single to right field to break his 0-for-11slump.

Colorado's seven-run sixth inning opened the floodgates, forcing the Blue Jays to bring in catcher Tyler Heineman to pitch the final two innings and preserve their bullpen.

Doyle got one last chance against Heineman, sending a 55.5 mph pitch (yes, you read that correctly) to the opposite field for a double, his second hit of the night.

Doyle went 2-for-3 from the plate with two runs scored in Colorado’s 14-5 win over Toronto.

While Doyle has started slowly at the plate, underlying metrics suggest he's been unlucky, with a .168 xBA. He's also only struck out twice in 14 at-bats, indicating he's making contact and putting the ball in play.

Doyle struggled initially last season, hitting only .202 in the first 82 games. However, he rebounded after the All-Star break, posting a .287 average and a .779 OPS in the second half. He displayed power with 15 home runs in 138 games, also stealing 18 bases. Concerningly, his home/road splits were stark: a .306 average at home compared to .158 on the road. This season, the trend continues, as he's hitting .143 in four road games.

Colorado can always count on Doyle's defensive abilities, and he boosts the Rockies' offense when he gets on base, particularly with his speed.