Doyle returns to Rockies outfield group generating Deadline interest 

DENVER -- Two-time Gold Glove Award-winning center fielder Brenton Doyle returned from the injured list on Friday night to add to a Rockies outfield that is drawing interest ahead of Monday’s 4 p.m. MT Trade Deadline. Catcher Braxton Fulford was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque in a corresponding move.

Doyle was placed in the starting lineup against the Royals, after going 6-for-11 with two doubles and a home run on Tuesday and Wednesday in his final two injury rehab games for Triple-A Albuquerque. Friday marked the first time Doyle has been in the lineup since sustaining a left oblique contusion on May 19.

Catcher Braxton Fulford was optioned to Albuquerque in a corresponding move.

Doyle required two rehab assignments -- he sustained a left groin strain during the first one, but returned to the field last Thursday for Albuquerque. The strong finish could serve as a relaunch for Doyle, who began as the regular center fielder but struggled before the injury (.207, 1 HR, 4 RBIs in 33 games) and saw reduced starts.

“Just getting back in the game speed, getting nine innings out in center field consistently, and getting my legs under me and conditioned well for my comeback here was huge,” Doyle said. “Rehab went well, so I’m happy about that.”

Switch-hitting rookie Cole Carrigg has flourished in regular playing time in Doyle’s absence -- .296 with five home runs and 26 RBIs in 41 games. Manager Warren Schaeffer, however, determined that Doyle would be a better matchup against Royals righty starter Michael Wacha and his changeup.

Schaeffer welcomes making tough lineup choices.

“Cole's been a big part of us winning ballgames when he's been here, he's playing exceptionally well -- he brings a ton to this team,” Schaeffer said. “I think there's a spot for both of those guys on the team for sure.”

Helping the matter is Carrigg’s potential versatility. Carrigg played mostly in the outfield after being drafted in the second round in 2023, but he also played shortstop and can play second base. He takes ground balls before roughly every other game.

“I enjoy it, for sure, and I’ve done it twice where I was kind of the emergency shortstop,” Carrigg said. “I would say I’m the backup infielder just in case we need to pinch-hit some guys.”

Carrigg was at shortstop for the last two innings of Wednesday’s 3-1 loss at San Diego. It’s conceivable that he could receive infield starts, especially with Ezequiel Tovar struggling (.198 entering Friday).

Carrigg seeing action at short or second could help a team that has outfielders who are possible targets of other teams seeking help down the stretch. Many teams are looking for right-handed-hitting outfielders, but also are keeping an eye on lefty-hitting Jake McCarthy (.293 AVG, 10 HR, 59 RBIs) and Mickey Moniak (.279 AVG, 17 HR, 46 RBIs). Doyle was a popular ask at last year’s Deadline, but the Rockies were not interested in parting with a young (now 28) center fielder with strong defensive skills.

“I'm not going to look ahead too much -- I'm going to take it with the team we have today, focus on tonight's game and go from there,” Doyle said.

The Deadline is a chance for the Rockies to increase the overall talent level. While faces may change, Schaeffer has already set a style of play. On Friday, the Rockies had a bench that consisted of two switch-hitters (Carrigg and Willi Castro) and two lefty batters (Edouard Julien and catcher Brett Sullivan).

Schaeffer has shown a willingness to make aggressive switches for offense during a game. Carrigg and Castro are regulars who could enter games early and be difficult matchups for a bullpen.