Colorado Rockies injury updates: Tyler Anderson and Ian Desmond

Prior to Tuesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field, Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black gave an update on injured starter Tyler Anderson and first baseman/outfielder Ian Desmond.

First on Anderson, the 27-year-old left-hander threw a side session and what Black termed as a “proper full bullpen” at Coors Field on Tuesday afternoon. It is the second one that Anderson has thrown since undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery on July 3. The surgery was expected to sideline him for roughly four to six weeks.

"“He’s doing well. The knee feels good. He is gaining strength in the quadricep,” Black said. “He’s excited about where he is. I think, medically, the guys in the training room and the doctors feel good about where he is. I don’t know whether his return is imminent but it’s coming at some point. He’s going to pitch this year.”"

Anderson has battled knee issues all season, spending much of June on the disabled list. Anderson landed on the disabled list on June 7 after trying to pitch through knee inflammation. He returned June 22 to pitch with a knee brace (in relief) and made his last start on June 25, lasting just 2.1 innings.

This season, he has a 3-5 record and 6.11 ERA. Opponents are hitting .298 against him.

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Desmond, meanwhile, is battling back from his second calf strain, this one that landed him on the disabled list in late July. It marks the first time in his Major League career he has spent any time on the disabled list.

Black said Desmond was showing improvement. When he returns, he will provide depth for the Rockies in the outfield and at first base.

"“Desi (Desmond) has had a good day again today, running and doing his work with our trainers and strength guys,” Black said. “We encouraged about Desi but no timetable there. He’s getting closer.”"

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The 31-year-old Desmond, one of Colorado’s key offseason acquisitions, has struggled with injuries this season, first dealing with a broken hand in spring training and now two calf strains. He first injured the calf in the outfield after making a catch during a game in Arizona on July 3.