With Reyes’ future uncertain, Rockies turn to Story at short

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – As the Colorado Rockies await a decision from Major League Baseball on the status of Jose Reyes, manager Walt Weiss wants to make it clear that rookie Trevor Story is their long-term shortstop.

Weiss said Saturday he has “no idea” when Commissioner Rob Manfred will decide on any punishment for the 32-year-old Reyes, who spent all of spring training on paid leave while facing domestic violence charges.

A prosecutor in Hawaii said earlier in this week that the charges against the four-time All-Star will likely be dropped because his wife isn’t co-operating. But MLB could still hand out a suspension under terms of the new domestic violence policy.

Reyes, acquired in a trade with Toronto last summer, is due a team-high $22 million this year. He’ll start receiving his salary Sunday, when the regular season begins.

“What you heard, the investigation is still ongoing, that’s what we get,” Weiss said. “I would think they would keep me in the loop and I haven’t heard anything.”

In the meantime, the 23-year-old Story won the open job in spring training. He entered the final exhibition game Saturday hitting .353 with six home runs while playing solid defence.

“I wanted him to know he earned this,” Weiss said. “I always say it’s tough to predict even a week out in this game. So we tend not to go there. I expect him to play really well. I’m really looking forward to watching him play that position. I think he’s going to be a really exciting player.”

When Reyes is reinstated, he would likely need time in an extended spring training setting before he would be ready to play. It’s uncertain if the Rockies would try to trade him or perhaps even release him.

Weiss made it clear Saturday they see Story as their future at the position.

“I don’t like any elephants in the room,” Weiss said. “When I told him he was on the club, I went down that road with him. He didn’t say much, but it was good for me to say it and for him to hear it.”