Colorado Rockies Injury News: Ian Desmond Suffers Broken Hand

Mar 11, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Ian Desmond (20) singles in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Ian Desmond (20) singles in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies suffered what could be a fairly significant injury to their lineup on Sunday afternoon. Just how significant it will be will be learned very soon.

Ian Desmond, one of Colorado’s prized free agent signings in the offseason, was hit in the left hand by a pitch from Cincinnati’s Rookie Davis in the fourth inning of Sunday’s Cactus League clash at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. After taking first base, Desmond came out of the game and was replaced by Jordan Patterson.

You can see the pitch strike Desmond in this video clip. Cincinnati would go on to post a 9-8 decision over the Rockies.

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Nick Groke of The Denver Post is reporting that Desmond will see a hand specialist in the coming days, possibly as soon as Monday. In his article, Groke said that, based on past injuries like the one Desmond suffered on Sunday, Desmond could miss at least a month of action. If that’s the case, Desmond would be sidelined for Opening Day.

With Desmond out of the lineup potentially for weeks, the Rockies will look to fill the position. There are options, including Mark Reynolds, who was the starting first baseman for the Rockies last season and signed a minor-league deal in the offseason to return to the team. He currently is not on Colorado’s 40-man roster but if Desmond goes on the disabled list, that would open a spot for Reynolds.

Additionally, Colorado saw Gerardo Parra play some first base last season and he has spent time this spring manning the position. Patterson is another possibility as well.

Next: David Dahl Discusses His Rib Injury

Desmond’s injury continues a rough stretch for the Rockies. Just two days ago, starting pitcher Chad Bettis revealed his cancer had spread and would be out of action while undergoing chemotherapy. Chris Rusin, another Rockies starter from last season, is battling an injury to his side and is currently working his way back into throwing. David Dahl, fighting to start in left field, is still on the shelf with a rib injury as well.

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