Rockies first baseman Justin Morneau. (The Associated Press)
Justin Morneau played out a minor-league rehab game Monday in Trenton, New Jersey. But he’ll be back in Denver by the end of the week.
The Rockies’ veteran first baseman will return to Colorado likely Thursday to be evaluated. He’s been out .
Morneau, who is trying to get back into major-league games before an offseason that may send him to another team.
“That’s a big part of it,” Rockies manager Walt Weiss said of Morneau’s desire to return this season. “It would be tough going in to the offseason not having been back on the field. At that point, you’re wondering if you’re going to play next year.”
Morneau hit 2-for-4 for the Rock Cats on Monday. He has six hits in 13 at-bats in this stint.
Weiss, though, said he’s not sure if Morneau will return to the Rockies this week, even if his evaluation is positive.
“I’m not sure. These are unique circumstances,” Weiss said . “It’s not like a typical guy coming off a sprained ankle or something.”
Morneau, in his first season with the Rockies last year after signing as a free-agent, led the National League in batting average. He has a $9 million mutual option on his contract for 2016.
Weiss was asked Monday if the Rockies owe it to Morneau to help him find his swing before entering into an offseason that may put him back into free agency.
“It’s tough to talk about the long-term future with Justin, with where we’re at right now,” Weiss said. “He still wants to play. And so far, things have gone very well for him. But it’s been such a long road, it’s hard to think beyond the next day.”
Tags: concussion, free agency, Justin Morneau
