The Colorado Rockies suffered a bit of devastating news when first baseman Ian Desmond exited a Cactus League game after being hit on the left hand by a pitch. The club announced that the preliminary diagnosis is a fracture and that Desmond is to see a hand specialist on Monday.
#Rockies Ian Desmond hit by a pitch in the 4th inning. Preliminary diagnosis revealed a left hand fracture. Seeing a hand specialist Monday.
— Rockies PR (@RockiesPR) March 12, 2017
Ian Desmond Suffers Broken Hand
Desmond signed with the Rockies as a free agent this offseason after spending 2016 with the Texas Rangers. He signed a five-year, $70 million deal with the club in December. While in Texas, he hit .285/.335/.446 with 22 homers, 86 RBI and 21 stolen bases, while earning a 2016 American League All-Star nod.
Originally a shortstop during his seven-year stint with the Washington Nationals, Desmond never appeared at first base in a Major League game; however, he’s no stranger to switching positions. Desmond played 156 games in the outfield during his one-year deal with the Rangers after appearing in only two career games out there before, but was asked to move to first base due to the already clogged outfield in Denver. Many considered the move odd, considering more conventional first basemen were still on the market at the time, but the Rockies liked his athleticism.
Remaining Options
As for the Rockies’ options at first base moving forward, Mark Reynolds appears to be in the driver’s seat for an Opening Day start. Reynolds hit a career-high .282 with 14 homers over 118 games with Colorado in 2016 and returned to the club on a minor-league deal in February. Another option, albeit a desperate one, is Gerardo Parra. Parra appeared in 19 games at first base for the Rockies in 2016.
Spring injuries are always devastating, but the Rockies won’t be hurting for offense. Bud Black can count on the likes of Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story, Charlie Blackmon and Carlos Gonzalez to hold down the fort until Desmond’s return.
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