Rockies’ Nolan Jones returns, looks for rebound in final six weeks

For Nolan Jones, the season’s final six weeks will resemble a supercharged spring training.

The competition is tougher, the stakes higher, and the scrutiny more intense. That’s fine with the Rockies’ left fielder, who’s trying to salvage something from his difficult season.

“It’s been a long year for me trying to get my back right, but I feel like I’m in a great spot and I’m ready to go,” Jones said Sunday when he returned to the active roster after his second lengthy stint on the injured list.

Jones missed 41 games early in the season because of a low back strain followed by a sprained knee. He returned to the IL on July 12 when his back injury flared up again, forcing him to miss 30 more games.

Add on his struggles at the plate when he did play, and what he admits is the weight of self-induced pressure, and it’s been a struggle. Also, his fiancee, Morgan Gauger, had a baby girl, Kamryn May, on Aug. 4. Jones said Kamryn had some breathing issues but is now doing well.

Clearly, there’s been a lot on Jones’ broad shoulders.

“I didn’t know how long it was going to take to get back and I didn’t know if I was going to play again this year,” Jones said. “There was a lot I was going through, so to be back among the guys has been awesome.”

Jones, 26, was hoping for a strong encore performance to his breakout 2023 season when he became the first Rockies rookie to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases. He also led the majors and set a franchise record with 19 outfield assists. He slashed .297/.389/.542 in 106 games and finished fourth in National League Rookie of the Year voting.