Rockies reinstate first baseman Justin Morneau from disabled list

The Rockies activated Justin Morneau from the 60-day disabled list.

The Rockies activated Justin Morneau from the 60-day disabled list on Friday.

The 34-year-old first baseman has been out since May 13, when he suffered a concussion and whiplash diving for a ground ball against the Angels. He was slated to start at first and hit fifth against the Giants Friday night. He was hitting .290 with three home runs and nine RBIs before the injury.

"The goal all along was to get healthy, get back out there and finish the year," Morneau said, according to the Denver Post. "I honestly didn't know it was going to take as long as it did, so that was a little frustrating, but I'm happy to be able to go back out there and help this team and hopefully finish strong."

Morneau also missed extended time in 2010 and 2011 with concussions. He has a $9 million mutual contract option for next season with Colorado. He says he plans to play next season. Rockies manager Walt Weiss said he would give Morneau days off in September to ease him back in. The Rockies are 55-78 and out of the playoff race.

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Morneau led the National League with a .319 average in 2014, and is a career .281 hitter with 241 home runs in 13 seasons. He was the American League MVP in 2006 with the Twins and made four straight All-Star games from 2007-2010.

Colorado designated outfielder/first baseman Matt McBride for assignment in a corresponding move.

- Jeremy Woo