DENVER -- Kris Bryant returned to the Colorado Rockies' lineup Monday after missing more than a month with a lower back strain.
The Rockies activated the star outfielder from the 10-day injured list, and slotted him to bat third and play left field in the first of a three-game home series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He finished 1-for-4 in Colorado's 4-0 win.
Bryant hadn't played since May 22, when he went on the IL for the second time this season. He was sent to Triple-A Albuquerque for a rehab assignment and doubled in the Friday game with the Isotopes.
"The thing we were all hoping for is that he got to a place physically where he's confident and very comfortable," Rockies manager Bud Black said before the win. "We got to that place with a lot of hard work with our training staff and our strength guys."
Colorado signed Bryant to a seven-year, $182 million contract in the spring to help fill the void Trevor Story left when he signed with Boston via free agency.
Bryant hit safely in his first 11 games with the Rockies and then slumped before being placed on the 10-day IL April 25. He returned May 21 but played in just two games and ended up back on the injured list.
Bryant was hitting .270 with four doubles, four RBI and no home runs at the time of his activation.
To make room for Bryant on the active roster, Colorado optioned right-handed pitcher Ryan Feltner to Triple-A. The Rockies also activated reliever Ty Blach from the 15-day IL and placed infielder/outfielder Sean Bouchard on the 10-day IL with an oblique strain.