Trade deadline looms over Rockies outfield as Royals visit

Colorado's crowded outfield added one more to the mix Friday night when Brenton Doyle returned from the injured list just in time for the trading deadline.

Doyle, a two-time Gold Glove winner, was on the IL since May 19 with an oblique injury. He played center field and batted eighth in Friday night's 3-1 win over the Kansas City Royals, going 1-for-3 with a double.

The second of the three-game series between the teams in Saturday night, with Colorado sending Ryan Feltner (3-5, 5.73 ERA) against Kansas City's Luinder Avila (5-3, 4.95).

Doyle's extended absence opened the door for rookie Cole Carrigg (.296, 5 HR, 26 RBIs, 42 games) to make his major league debut, and the speedy outfielder impressed in his first stint in the big leagues. With Jake McCarthy and Mickey Moniak also playing well, and prospect Charlie Condon knocking on the door, the glut of outfielders may lead to someone getting dealt before Monday night.

Until then, Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer will make sure Doyle and Carrigg get playing time.

"Cole's been a big part of us winning ballgames when he's been here, he's playing exceptionally well - he brings a ton to this team," Schaeffer said. "I think there's a spot for both of those guys on the team for sure."

Whichever lineup Schaeffer uses will give Feltner a strong defensive outfield behind him for his 16th start of the season. Feltner has struggled in his last three starts, going 0-3 with a 13.11 ERA in those outings. Saturday night will be just his second career start against the Royals.

In his only other appearance against them - which came at Kansas City on April 22, 2025 - he allowed one run on three hits over seven innings and got a no-decision in Colorado's 11-inning loss.

While Doyle made his return, Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. remains on the injured list with low back tightness. It is the first time Witt has landed on the IL in his young career, and despite being eligible to return Friday night the team will hold him out until returning home on Tuesday night.

"He feels good," Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. "He's progressed literally every day. We could've pushed him. It was very unlikely he would have played in all the games here, so we figured with the off-day Monday, let's take the cautious route and have him ready to go full-go on Tuesday."

Not having Witt is tough for the Royals, who are in last place in the AL Central. Witt, like Doyle, is a two-time Gold Glove winner, and he is also a three-time All-Star. Kansas City is 5-5 without him and sits far back in the playoff chase.

Avila, who will make his first career start against the Rockies, has done his best to keep the Royals in the hunt. Since June 12, when he gave up eight runs against Houston and was knocked out of the game after recording just two outs, he is 4-0 with three no-decisions.

He gave up three or fewer runs in six of those seven starts and allowed just one run on three occasions.