Colorado Rockies: An injury update on Gerardo Parra

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 15: Gerardo Parra #8 of the Colorado Rockies walks out to his position with his head down after flying out to left field with the bases loaded in the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field on August 15, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 15: Gerardo Parra #8 of the Colorado Rockies walks out to his position with his head down after flying out to left field with the bases loaded in the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field on August 15, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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On Friday, Nick Groke of the Denver Post reported on Twitter that there is good news on the Gerardo Parra injury front.

Two weeks ago yesterday, it was reported that Colorado Rockies outfielder Gerardo Parra had to have hand surgery due to a broken hamate bone. It was reported that he would miss 4-6 weeks after the recovery from the surgery

Fast forward to yesterday and, on Twitter, Nick Groke of the Denver Post had an update on Parra’s recovery status from the surgery. He reported that Parra took batting practice on Thursday with the team. Groke also said that Parra will face live pitching by Monday at the latest and Rockies manager Bud Black is hoping to get him into Cactus League games some time next weekend.

With a time table of returning being around March 10 or March 11, he should be on track to be all ready to go by opening day, which is on Thursday, March 29.

More from Rox Pile

Barring any further injury, Parra will be slated to be the starting right fielder on Opening Day. He was also hampered with injuries in the 2017 season as he only played in 115 games (99 starts). However, he still had 121 hits with 10 home runs and 71 runs batted in with a .309 batting average, .341 on-base percentage, and a .452 slugging percentage.

At that pace for a 162 game average, he would have logged 101 RBI so if he could put up that kind of production for the Rockies and remain healthy, he could be a key piece for the Rockies in 2018.

Final Thoughts

It will be interesting to see his progression from the injury considering that the Rockies are relying, as of now, to be one of their main bats. Currently, Roster Resource has him slated as the Rockies clean up hitter, wedged in between Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story.

Next: An injury update on Shawn O'Malley

If he can actually put up the numbers he was on pace for last season but remain healthy, he could prove to be one of the most productive bats on the Rockies team.