Carlos Gonzalez Injury: Updates on Rockies Star's Ankle and Return

Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez left Aug. 8's game against the Texas Rangers because of a nagging ankle injury and missed three of Colorado's next four contests. However, he's ready to return to the starting lineup.

Continue for updates.

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Gonzalez Active vs. Phillies

Saturday, Aug. 13

The Rockies announced Gonzalez, who served as a pinch hitter Thursday, is active and batting third against the Philadelphia Phillies.

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Gonzalez's Presence Vital to Rockies Offense

Gonzalez has a .323 average with 23 home runs, 79 RBI and a .372 on-base percentage in 107 games played his season.

Gonzalez, a three-time All-Star, won the National League batting title and a Silver Slugger award in 2010 with a .336 average, 34 home runs and 117 RBI. He added another Silver Slugger award to his resume in 2015 with a .271 average, a career-best 40 home runs and 97 RBI and was one of the few bright spots in a disappointing season for Colorado.

Gonzalez is also a solid corner outfielder and posted five total defensive runs saved above average in right field in 2015, per FanGraphs.

The Rockies haven't reached the postseason since 2009 and face an uphill battle in a loaded National League West that features the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers. If Colorado is going to stay in the hunt for a wild-card spot, it needs Gonzalez to remain healthy in the middle of the order as half of a powerful one-two punch alongside Nolan Arenado.