Carlos Gonzalez Tweaks Knee, Leaves Game

Mar 25, 2015; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) flies out during the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Gonzalez was removed from the Rockies Friday evening game against the San Diego Padres in Peoria after feeling soreness in his left knee, Nick Groke of The Denver Post reports. Apparently, he first felt the soreness after catching a fly ball in the third inning and was soon thereafter removed from the game.

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Excuse the pun, but Gonzalez’s removal makes everyone around the organization uneasy, especially after having his 2014 season end early due to a patella tendon injury and surgery on the same knee.

It’s no secret that the Rockies must have Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez healthy if they want to be relevant this season (or any season), so Gonzalez’s removal is a cause for concern. He had been hitting .360/.407/.480 in 25 at-bats this spring and has looked healthy on defense, as well.

Gonzalez himself downplayed the incident to the Post, but any soreness in a surgically-repaired knee should immediately send red flags to the Rockies training and coaching staffs.

Presumably, Gonzalez will have a few days off to recover and be ready for Opening Day, as the Rockies only have ten days until the season begins in Milwaukee against the Brewers.

More on Gonzalez’s knee as this story develops.

UPDATE, 10:48 pm: Groke added quotes from Rockies manager Walt Weiss about Gonzalez, indicating he shouldn’t miss much (if any) time. Gonzalez’s removal seems to be more precautionary than anything; after all, this is what Spring Training games are for. Breathe a sigh of relief, Rockies fans (well… for now).