The Rockies’ return on investment for Kris Bryant continues to decline.

Colorado placed the oft-injured Bryant on the injured list for the third time this season on Monday, this time because of a back strain as the outfielder/first baseman’s arthritic back continues to cause problems.

Bryant, who missed 31 games in April/May due to a back strain and 43 games in June/July due to a rib/oblique problem, has a .218 batting average with two home runs, a .301 slugging average and a -0.7 WAR in 2024.

Bryant is the Rockies’ highest-paid player with an annual salary of $28 million. He has a seven-year, $182 million contract through 2028. Colorado’s largest free agent contract in club history has been a bust so far, as Bryant’s first two seasons in LoDo were also marred by injuries. He has played in just 36% of the Rockies’ games in the purple pinstripes and hit a total of 17 home runs.

Bryant’s presence on the roster could soon become a liability, especially as the Rockies rebuild and try to bring in younger players for first base (Michael Toglia) and the outside outfield (Hunter Goodman and Jordan Beck until his injury).

As part of roster changes on Monday, Colorado recalled Beck from Triple-A Albuquerque and right-hander Bradley Blalock from Double-A Hartford.

The rookie Beck hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since breaking his hand diving for a ball at Coors Field on May 25, but he’s pitched well for the Isotopes since returning to health. Blalock appeared in one game for the Brewers this season and has a 6.17 ERA in two starts with Hartford. He will face the Diamondbacks in Arizona on Monday, his first MLB appearance.