Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez exited Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers with a back strain, according to Ian McCue of MLB.com.
Carlos Gonzalez injury: Rockies OF left Thursday’s game with back strain
The outfielder is hopeful that he can return to the lineup on Friday.
Dustin Bradford
Gonzalez suffered the injury on a swing-and-miss in the fifth inning. The outfielder whiffed on a slider from Chris Capuano, and felt something in his back after the swing.
Gonzalez stayed in the game during the top of the sixth inning, but looked a little hesitant in the field. The outfielder tracked down an Adrian Gonzalez fly ball, but slowed down when his feet touched the warning track and covered his head as the ball bounced off the wall for a double. Corey Dickerson pinch-hit for Gonzalez in the bottom of the frame.
Tulowitzki could return before the All-Star break
The Rockies shortstop took batting practice on Thursday for the first time since suffering a broken rub Rockies manager Walt Weiss is hopeful that Gonzalez can return soon, telling McCue:
“He said he’s done it before, So we’re not too concerned. But it was enough of an issue to get him out of there. So there is some concern.”
Gonzalez has paced the Rockies offensively, htting .295/.362/.605 in 367 plate appearances. The left-handed hitter leads the National League with 23 homers, and has driven in 62 runs.
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