Colorado Rockies injury news: Pat Valaika likely out 2-3 weeks

Just one day after Shawn O’ Malley suffered a hand injury that will require surgery, another Colorado Rockies utility man, Pat Valaika, will be out for an estimated two to three weeks due to injury. This news comes at a bad time as Valaika was both one of Colorado’s main pinch hitters as well as backup infielders.

The 25-year-old Valaika suffered from an oblique strain and will be out for sometime. Colorado manager Bud Black is quoted saying that Valaika is “a little banged up.” Due to this happening, questions are being raised about who will fill the spots of O’Malley and Valaika as there are still many games to be played this spring.

Valaika has gotten off to a slow start this spring, with no hits in his three games and seven plate appearances.

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There will also be questions on whether or not Valaika will be healthy to play in the season-opening series against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, meaning he could be left off the Opening Day roster. As of now, the next men that might have to step up to the plate to fill the holes left by O’Malley and Valaika would be Garrett Hampson, Daniel Castro, and Brian Mundell. As a note, none of those players are on the 40-man roster. Ian Desmond and/or Ryan McMahon may be asked to move around the infield as well if needed.

Valaika was looking to have a breakout season with the Rockies this year. He did show that he’s a versatile player that should be utilized last season. However, the injury that Valaika is believed to have makes it extremely difficult for him to swing the bat. With the timeline they have him on, it’s most likely he won’t be able to play the majority of the Spring Training games, but possibly get in a couple just before the regular season starts.

On the surface, it appears Valaika won’t miss that much of the regular season, if any. Valaika will hopefully be on track for full recovery as he is on the 40-man roster and had a spot on the bench to reclaim from last season.

As for O’ Malley, he will have to undergo surgery for his hand. This leads to him being out at least four to six weeks and that will likely keep him from claiming a roster spot with the Rockies he was working hard to grab.

Next: An injury update on Gerardo Parra

We here at Rox Pile will keep you updated on the both injury situations.