Story jams right thumb; X-rays negative

Rockies shortstop scheduled to have MRI on Thursday

June 20th, 2019

PHOENIX -- stood at his locker gripping his right hand and discussing the headfirst slide during which he jammed his right thumb in Wednesday night's 6-4 win over the D-backs at Chase Field.

The Rockies’ shortstop wanted to stay upbeat, but he couldn’t help but think back to 2016.

That’s when Story missed the final two months of his rookie season after having surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb. Just like this time, it happened on a slide into second base and X-rays were negative. The tear was later revealed by an MRI, which Story is scheduled to again undergo Thursday.

“It’s been in my mind, for sure,” Story said. “All positive thoughts here, for sure, for me. That’s how it happened in ’16, but you really don’t know until the MRI comes back, and that’s really the final say. Good that the X-rays were negative. Good thoughts and good vibes from me.”

In the sixth inning, Story knocked a one-out single to right-center field, but he was thrown out by center fielder Jarrod Dyson while trying to stretch it into a double. Story immediately showed discomfort, and he was replaced by Pat Valaika on defense to begin the bottom of the inning.

“I’m not sure exactly how it happened, because I wasn’t really looking at it. I just know it didn’t feel very good,” Story said. “I’m always nervous if you have to get an MRI. Just because you never know, you know? So, that’s where it’s at.”

It would be a huge loss for the Rockies if this turns out to be a substantial injury for Story. The former All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner is batting .294 with 17 home runs and 48 RBIs in 72 games this season.

“We’re hoping for the best,” manager Bud Black said. “It’s really too early to tell how this is going to set up.”