Colorado Rockies' Carlos Gonzalez to play right field upon return Friday

Colorado Rockies star outfielder Carlos Gonzalez will be moved to right field when he's activated from the disabled list before Colorado's game against the Minnesota Twins on Friday, reports Thomas Harding of MLB.com.

The 28-year-old Gonzalez has played left field exclusively since 2012.

Gonzalez has been out of the Rockies lineup since June 3rd as a result of surgery to a remove a tumor in his left index finger, and prior to his placement on the disabled list, he was suffering through one of the worst offensive stretches of his career. 

In 52 games and 212 plate appearances this season, Gonzalez has produced a .255/.307/.449 slash line with eight home runs and 31 RBI, numbers below his established superstar-level baseline from previous seasons.

Rockies manager Walt Weiss will have some significant decisions to make with the rest of his outfield, as newly-selected All-Star Charlie Blackmon joins Corey Dickerson, Drew Stubbs and, potentially, the returning Michael Cuddyer in a crowded mix long-term. 

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To facilitate the activation of Gonzalez from the disabled list, the team demoted embattled starting pitcher and recent acquisition Jair Jurrjens to Triple-A Colorado Springs. 

After a scorching hot start to the 2014 season, the Rockies are in danger of falling completely out of the race in the National League West, as they sit 11.5 games out of first place after 82 contests.

— Brad Rowland