The Rockies handed shortstop Ezequiel Tovar a seven-year, $63.5 million contract extension before last season embodying their hopes and dreams. This wasn’t what they had in mind. After a first half in

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies reinstated Gold Glove shortstop Ezequiel Tovar from the 10-day injured list on Friday.

Tovar led off the eighth inning with a solo home run, his fifth long ball of the season. It has been a small sample since he returned from the injured list July 18, but Tovar has at least one hit in four of five games to go along with two homers, four RBI and four runs scored.

Ezequiel Tovar hits a solo home run to left field to give the Rockies a 6-5 lead in the top of the 8th

When shortstop Ezequiel Tovar made his big-league debut late last season, he was 21 years and 53 days old, making him the youngest position player to debut in Rockies history.

The Colorado Rockies truly need some of their young core players to step up, and their rising star shortstop has done so since returning from injury.

Ezequiel Tovar will likely return to the big leagues after the All-Star break, interim manager Warren Schaeffer said on Saturday ahead of an afternoon game vs. the Reds. There is nothing about Tovar’s health or performance preventing his return at this point,