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Trevor Story avoids UCL damage, expected to return to Rockies lineup from elbow inflammation

UPDATE: Trevor Story avoids ligament damage

Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black told reporters on Tuesday that shortstop Trevor Story does not have ligament damage, but was dealing with elbow inflammation that forced him from Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

It’s great news for the Rockies, who are in a heated pennant race, sitting a half game back of the Dodgers as of Tuesday for the NL West crown. Story is in the midst of a career season that has moved him into the NL MVP conversation.

Through Monday, Story was hitting .288 with 33 home runs and 102 RBI to go with 26 stolen bases. Black told reporters that he expects Story to return in a few days.

The timing is still bad with the Rockies approaching the second game of a critical three-game series with the Dodgers. But the news is a lot better than it could have been.

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One of the best young performers in baseball may have been sidelined at the worst possible time. Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story left Monday’s game in the middle of an at-bat, and the team fears he’s dealing with a possible UCL injury, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

The severity of Story’s injury is not known at this time. But if the 25-year-old shortstop were to miss time, it could have major implications on the Rockies’ playoff hopes. The team sits a half-game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the National League West lead and a half game behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the second wild-card spot in the NL.

At least one of those leads will see some movement Tuesday night, as the Rockies continue their series with the Dodgers.

After hitting just .226 in April, Story has turned things around in a big way. He’s hitting .288/.343/.550, with 33 home runs, and was starting to get some NL MVP buzz.

While a UCL injury isn’t as serious for hitters, it could severely impact Story’s numbers if he’s able to play through it. Since he plays in the NL, Story could not just serve as the Rockies’ designated hitter down the stretch like Shohei Ohtani did for the Los Angeles Angels.

Given the uncertainty surrounding the situation, it’s impossible to predict what the Rockies will do with their young star. Story’s injury might not be bad enough to completely doom the Rockies, but even a minor UCL injury would be worrisome for a team desperately fighting for a playoff spot.

Trevor Story avoided a UCL tear and is expected to return from elbow inflammation within a few days. (AP)
Trevor Story avoided a UCL tear and is expected to return from elbow inflammation within a few days. (AP)

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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