Story's pursuit of rookie homer record for April on hold

DENVER (AP) One less game in April for Trevor Story. One less opportunity to match - maybe even break - a rookie homer record for the month.

The game between Colorado and Pittsburgh on Thursday was postponed because of rain and snow. And while Story wasn't in the starting lineup, the Rockies shortstop could've entered as a pinch hitter and he certainly does have the flair for the dramatic these days.

Story has nine homers this season, one shy of the rookie mark set by Chicago White Sox slugger Jose Abreu in 2014.

Not that he's given this mark any sort of thought.

''Just worried about winning,'' said Story, who is hitting .241.

Story became the first major leaguer to homer in each of his first four games. He also is the first player to hit seven homers over his first six games.

''I don't think about it at all,'' said Story, who looked at a called third strike that ended Wednesday's 12-inning loss to Pittsburgh. ''I feel good about the at-bats I've taken. Just trying to compete as best as I can.''

There were no complaints from Colorado manager Walt Weiss with the postponement. His overtaxed bullpen can use the rest.

The starters haven't exactly been stellar the last two days for the Rockies, lasting a combined 6 2/3 innings. Given the Rockies played 12 innings Wednesday, their relievers have thrown 14 1/3 innings over the past two games. That's a lot of tired arms.

This break also couldn't come at a better time given that the Rockies have lost eight straight home games against the Pirates.

''I'm not going to kick and scream if we don't play, quite frankly,'' said Weiss as his team finished a 1-5 homestand.

A makeup date was not announced. This kind of weather descending on the city doesn't surprise Pirates manager Clint Hurdle.

''It's always interesting,'' said Hurdle, who spent eight years managing the Rockies. ''I left a pair of shoes in hotel room, as my wife pointed out to me. Can use it as snow shoes.''

There wasn't that much snow - just some random flurries. This is simply spring time in the Rockies.

Pittsburgh headed home after a 6-3 trip and opens a homestand Friday against Cincinnati, which has lost four straight.

FOURTH OUTFIELDER?

In this day and age of shifts, right fielder Carlos Gonzalez really wouldn't want to see the Rockies employ a fourth outfielder at expansive Coors Field even against notorious fly-ball hitters.

''It's just not the right way to play. I mean, who are you going to play in the outfield?'' Gonzalez said.

How about moving, say, Story from shortstop into left-center and shifting third baseman Nolan Arenado closer to second.

''I'm not surprised if they start doing that. That's how the game has changed,'' Gonzalez said. ''If I see four outfielders, that won't surprise me.''

It wouldn't surprise Hurdle, either.

''Anything is possible, especially the amount of area to cover in this ballpark,'' Hurdle said.

WEATHER REPORT

The temperature at the time of the postponement was 37 degrees, which would have made this one of the coldest home games in team history. The record is 23 degrees on April 23, 2013, in a doubleheader opener against Atlanta.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Pirates: OF Starling Marte was scheduled to get the day off Thursday. ''In our rest program, Marte is the one guy who hasn't had a day off this week,'' Hurdle explained.

Rockies: OF Charlie Blackmon (turf toe) went 1 for 4 in a rehab assignment for Class-A Modesto on Wednesday. He's eligible to return from the DL on Friday.

UP NEXT

Pirates: So much for pitching against his former team. RHP Juan Nicasio (2-2) won't face Colorado due to the postponement and will instead take the mound Friday against the Reds.

Rockies: RHP Tyler Chatwood (2-2) throws Friday in Arizona as the Rockies begin a 10-day trip.