DENVER -- Shortstop Trevor Story announced his return to the Rockies' lineup in a big way during Monday night's 10-1 victory over the Phillies at Coors Field after missing five games with right elbow soreness.
Story lashed a second-inning double with an exit velocity of 110 mph, according to Statcast™, and after striking out in the third inning, he hit another laser double in the fourth that left the bat at 108 mph. Story finished the game 2-for-5.
"You never know how you're going to be after a few days off or something like that," Story said. "But I just tried to keep it simple, get something over the middle of the plate that I could hit not try to do too much with hit. Nobody's 100 percent right now. I fall in that group. Everybody's feeling something. That's no excuse."
Story's fourth-inning double made him the fourth shortstop in National League history to reach 80 extra-base hits in a season He joins Jimmy Rollins (88) and Hanley Ramirez (81) in 2007 and Hall of Famer Ernie Banks in 1955 (82), '58 (81) and '60 (80).
Story has risen to National League Most Valuable Player Award consideration by hitting .289 with 33 home runs and 102 RBIs after Monday night, but he was injured after making a dive-and-throw attempt in last Monday's 8-2 loss at Dodger Stadium. Story stayed in that game until his next at-bat, which he could not complete.

MRI results showed inflammation but no ligament damage on Story's elbow. He took ground balls and made throws, and he nearly returned to the lineup for Sunday's game, a 2-0 victory at Arizona, but he was left out in a game-time decision. Story was in the lineup against on Monday ahead of fielding and batting practice.
"I thought Trevor was great -- two really good swings," Rockies manager Bud Black said. "Those balls to center were bullets. He turned a couple double plays, felt nothing with the elbow. He was fundamentally sound in his throwing mechanics, which was great. He came out of the nine-inning game fine. I think that was a confidence-builder for Trev."

Anderson hopes to return during regular season
The good injury news counterbalanced another issue on Monday. Colorado scratched lefty starting pitcher Tyler Anderson with left shoulder inflammation and instead opted to start right-hander Jon Gray, who held the Phils to one run in seven innings.
Anderson said he felt stiffness while warming up for a bullpen session on Saturday and felt the same Sunday. He said it felt OK Monday before he went to the field for the team's warmup session.
"I didn't feel like I was able to give the team my best outing when we need it," Anderson said. "So we decided that it wasn't a good idea.
"I want to take the ball every single time. Even when I was struggling, I could've said, 'I'd like some time.' And this is a big one for me. I would love to be pitching today. But I didn't think I'd be able to compete the way that I'd like to and give the team the chance it deserves."

Manager Bud Black said Anderson and the athletic training staff are "optimistic" that he could return before the regular season ends, but there is no timetable.
Bettis to start Tuesday
Black announced after Monday's win that Tuesday's starter will be Chad Bettis, who will make his first start since Aug. 12, when he went 6 1/3 innings and held the Dodgers to one run on three hits and four walks with three strikeouts.

Bettis' season was marred by a blister on his right middle finger, which flared up twice. Believing right-hander Antonio Senzatela was a healthier option and pitching better, Colorado moved Bettis to the bullpen. He's made six relief appearances since Aug. 24 and posted a 2.16 ERA in those games.
Black said he believes Bettis will be capable of 35-50 pitches on Tuesday, which means the Rockies will likely pitch to matchups out of the bullpen for the rest of the game.