Doyle (oblique, groin) resumes Triple-A rehab stint after setback

MILWAUKEE -- Rockies center fielder Brenton Doyle, who hasn’t played in the Majors since May 19 because of a pair of injuries, went 2-for-4 and drove in Triple-A Albuquerque’s only run a 14-1 home loss to Round Rock on Thursday afternoon to begin his rebooted injury rehab assignment.

Doyle, 28, the Rockies’ Opening Day center fielder, sustained a left oblique contusion on May 19 while diving for a fly ball, and days later went on the 10-day injured list.

Doyle began a rehab assignment on June 23, but sustained a left groin strain a few days later and ended that stint on July 4. He returned to Denver to undergo treatment and rehab.

“I don’t know if it’s just coincidence -- because it’s on the same side [as the oblique injury] or whatnot,” Doyle said before joining Albuquerque. “I’m no expert.”

The injuries are part of a difficult season for Doyle, who won National League Gold Glove Awards his first two seasons in the Majors, 2023 and '24. Through 43 games with the Rockies, Doyle batted .207 with one home run and four RBIs and saw his playing time reduced.

In Doyle’s place, switch-hitting rookie Cole Carrigg has thrived with a .291/.365/.504 slash line with four home runs and 24 RBIs in 36 games.

With a productive outfield group at the Major League level that also includes Jake McCarthy, Mickey Moniak and Tyler Freeman -- and with an Albuquerque club that has No. 3 prospect Charlie Condon and players with Major League experience in Doyle, Jordan Beck and Zac Veen, it’s a crowded picture -- although changes could come before the Aug. 3 4 p.m. MT Trade Deadline.

Doyle focused on being upbeat while working his way back to the field.

“I can be as positive as I can around the clubhouse, be a good teammate, be a good friend,” Doyle said. “I’m getting close to being myself, physically, so I’m looking forward to that.”