ST. LOUIS -- Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes, suspended through May 31 under an MLB-MLB Players Association domestic violence policy, will begin workouts Thursday at the club's Spring Training facility in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Reyes did not participate in Spring Training and his suspension wasn't announced until Friday. He is allowed to participate in extended spring activities in the meantime.
Trevor Story has seized the opportunity at short to the point that he is an early National League Rookie of the Year Award candidate, and it isn't clear where Reyes fits on the club. But there's a lot of time between now and June 1, or whenever Reyes, 32, is ready, and it's possible a role for Reyes can present itself. There also has been speculation that Reyes could be dealt to a team seeking shortstop and infield help.
At any rate, Reyes needs to be ready, and it behooves the Rockies to make sure he is.
"It's basically his Spring Training, just get in baseball shape," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said.
Reyes is a speedy switch-hitter who still runs well, but in recent years, defensive metrics have shown a dramatic reduction in his range, which calls for adjustments. There has been little conversation between the Rockies and Reyes because the suspension called for most of the talks to be kept among MLB, the MLBPA and Reyes and his representatives. And while the staff may or may not have ideas of what Reyes needs to work on, his role will be contingent on what the club needs at the time of Reyes' return.
"We haven't talked about the logistics of his fit on this club or any of those types of things," Weiss said. "We will at some point. We're just kind of letting it play out. We'll have to cross that bridge when we get there. There will be some conversations between now and then."
Castro optioned
Righty Miguel Castro, who had a 1.50 ERA and eight strikeouts in six innings in six appearances before being placed on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation, was activated and at the same time optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday.
The Rockies have said throughout the process that Castro, 21, will need time to make sure he is healthy and sharp. In two rehab appearances for Albuquerque, Castro has given up three earned runs and four hits, including a home run, in two innings.