CINCINNATI -- 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, aside from the Rockies exhibiting a little more patience.
“The plan was to have [Tovar] back potentially for this series, but it just didn’t work out that way,” Schaeffer said.
Tovar has been on the injured list since early June due to a left oblique strain and began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque on July 5.
Last year, his second full season with the Rockies, Tovar led the National League with 45 doubles, belted 26 homers and won his first career Gold Glove Award.
Injuries have twice interrupted his 2025 season.
Prior to the oblique strain, Tovar was on the IL from April 19 to May 16 with a left hip contusion after making a diving play in the first series of the season against the Rays. He played with the injury until it began to affect his performance.
Tovar played three straight games this week for the Isotopes (two at DH and one at shortstop), but didn’t play on Friday night. He’s 2-for-20 with four K's during this most recent rehab stint with Albuquerque, but the numbers are immaterial.
"He’s just going to progress through the All-Star break, and then we will reevaluate,” Schaeffer said. “Hopefully, it’s a quick return. It’s just a matter of getting him healthy. Has nothing to do with his play.”
Tovar has hit .258/.301/.406 with three homers in 138 plate appearances this season.