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Colorado Rockies injury updates: Nolan Arenado and Carlos Gonzalez

By Kevin Henry

SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 23: Carlos Gonzalez #5 of the Colorado Rockies can't make the catch on a double hit by Austin Hedges #18 of the San Diego Padres during the sixth inning of a baseball game at PETCO Park on September 23, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 23: Carlos Gonzalez #5 of the Colorado Rockies can't make the catch on a double hit by Austin Hedges #18 of the San Diego Padres during the sixth inning of a baseball game at PETCO Park on September 23, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /
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Before the Colorado Rockies opened their three-game series against the Miami Marlins at Coors Field on Monday evening, Colorado manager Bud Black gave injury updates on two of his key players, Nolan Arenado and Carlos Gonzalez.

In Sunday’s series finale against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, Arenado was removed from the game in the sixth inning with a bruise on the palm of his right hand. According to Nick Groke of The Denver Post, Arenado said he took a “funky swing” that resulted in the injury.

Arenado was replaced by Pat Valaika, who finished the game 2-for-2 after entering as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the sixth.

Colorado’s Gold Glove and All-Star third baseman, however, seemed to show little lingering effect from the injury. He was back in the starting lineup for Monday’s game against Miami.

"“He’s confident about being back in there,” Black said. “Swelling is down. Soreness has somewhat been relieved. He took some swings earlier and hit strength is fine. He feels good. Medically, Keith (Dugger, head Colorado Rockies trainer) and his guys feel good about knowing how he’s feeling and Nolan, more importantly, feels good about where his hand is so he’s in there.”"

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Arenado is once again putting together an MVP-caliber type of season, hitting .305 with 35 home runs and 126 RBI. He is tied with Miami’s Giancarlo Stanton for the Major League lead in RBI heading into Monday’s game in Denver.

Gonzalez suffered a shoulder injury while attempting a diving catch against the Padres on Saturday night. He was not in the lineup for the Rockies on Sunday and was also not in the starting lineup for Colorado on Monday. However, Black said that CarGo was progressing and could possibly be available to pinch hit if needed.

"“We’re going to see how he goes through the rest of the afternoon and early evening but he’s feeling better. Much improved,” Black said. “Yesterday, a lot of treatment. More treatment again today and we’ll see how he progresses. That will be an in-game decision to see if he’s available or not.”"

Next: Valaika's incredible transformation into leader off the bench

Gonzalez is hitting .328 for the Rockies in September after hitting .279 in August and finally shaking free of a season-long slump.

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