Colorado Rockies: Will Jeff Hoffman be available on Sunday?

After a scary scene on Tuesday night in San Francisco, there’s still a chance that Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jeff Hoffman could make his final start of the season on Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Jeff Hoffman was hit just outside his right knee on a line drive by San Francisco’s Alex Dickerson in the fourth inning of the Colorado Rockies‘ 8-5 win on Tuesday night. The line drive, which can be seen in this article, was measured with a 99.6 mph exit velocity. After hitting Hoffman, the force of the ball sent it all the way back to in front of the San Francisco dugout as Hoffman fell to the ground.

He would be carted off the field but X-rays taken at the field showed there were no fractures but rather just a bone contusion.

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According to Thomas Harding of MLB.com, Hoffman was on crutches after the game as thoughts shifted to his return to battle for a rotation spot in spring training. However, on Wednesday, Harding reported that the 26-year-old right-hander had shed his crutches. While still suffering from the bruise, Hoffman told Harding that “maybe tomorrow (Thursday)” he would be confident in running up the first base line after taking an at-bat.

Hoffman’s spot in the rotation falls on Sunday, which is the season finale for the Rockies at Coors Field. While Colorado has not officially named its starters for the weekend series against Milwaukee, it will likely be Antonio Senzatela on Friday with Chi Chi Gonzalez on Saturday with Sunday to be determined on Hoffman’s health.

If Hoffman could not go, options for the Rockies are somewhat limited because of injuries but could include Rico Garcia, who made his lone start of the season on August 27 against Boston. Starter Peter Lambert was shut down for the season earlier this week and four of five of Colorado’s Opening Week starters are currently on the injured list.

In five September starts, Hoffman is 1-2 with a 5.11 ERA while opponents are hitting .283 against him.