Associated Press
TEMPE, Ariz. – Trevor Story had two hits, two RBIs and made a fine play throwing out Mike Trout to boost his chances of being Colorado’s starting shortstop in the Rockies’ 6-6, nine-inning tie with a Los Angeles Angels split squad on Friday.
With Jose Reyes on paid leave while facing domestic violence charges, the 23-year-old Story has thrived despite never playing above Triple-A. His two-run single off Angels starter Garrett Richards in the third inning came after his stab in the hole and running throw to get Trout.
“He knew he was coming in and trying to win a job,” Rockies manager Walt Weiss said of Story, who also singled and is hitting .321. “If anything, he’s stepped his game up.”
Added Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich: “He’s doing a hell of a job.”
Nolan Arenado doubled and tripled and is hitting .600 (18 for 30) this spring.
“I’m running out of superlatives,” Weiss said.
Richards gave up three runs and six hits in five innings.
Yunel Escobar and Cliff Pennington had three hits apiece and Rey Navarro hit a three-run homer off Brock Huntzinger for the Angels.
Rockies: Prospect Antonio Senzatella, who hasn’t pitched about Class A, allowed two runs and four hits in three innings. He retired Trout and Albert Pujols twice. The Rockies sent him to minor-league camp after the game.
RHP Jordan Lyles, a likely starter, bounced back from a poor outing to later throw four scoreless innings.
Angels: Richards retired the first seven batters before running into trouble.
“My body feels good and I’m progressing,” Richards said, “so that’s the most important thing.”
Rockies: RHP Adam Ottavino threw 15 pitches off the mound for the first time since Tommy John surgery. ... OF Alex Castellanos left after getting hit on the hand by Cam Bedrosian’s fastball in the eighth.
Angels: SS Andrelton Simmons (sore arm) was the DH in the Angels’ other game against Kansas City. Simmons hasn’t played in the field since Sunday.
The Rockies were out of position players when Castellanos was hit, so cater Nick Hundley re-entered to run for him. This was the teams’ second tie in as many days and the Angels’ fourth draw this spring.
Angels coach Dino Ebel’s two sons played catch and took grounders as players stretched before the morning workout.
Children are a common sight in Angels camp. In light of Adam LaRoche’s decision to retire after being told by the White Sox to limit his son’s time around the team, Angels manager Mike Scioscia explained his policy.
“We have a certain time frame where kids are welcome and there are time frames when you need to give the guys a chance to get focused and ready for a game,” Scioscia said.
Weiss likes kids around, but not in the clubhouse.
“That’s the players’ area,” Weiss said.
Colorado demoted struggling RHP Eddie Butler to minor-league camp.
“We’re looking for a complete package as a starter,” Bridich said. “We know it’s in there. It’s just not in there right now.”
Also sent down: C Tom Murphy; RHPs Shane Carle, Carlos Estevez and German Marquez; LHP Sam Moll and OFs Noel Cuevas, Jordan Patterson and Raimel Tapia.
Rockies: RHP Tyler Chatwood is scheduled to throw four innings Saturday against San Diego. Reliever Boone Logan (elbow) makes his spring debut.
Angels: RHP Yunesky Maya, who has thrown six scoreless innings, makes his first start against Milwaukee. The Angels are looking for rotation depth with Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson slowed by injuries.
