Michael Cuddyer aiming for mid-August return to Rockies
Colorado Rockies slugger Michael Cuddyer is aiming for a mid-August return from his broken left shoulder socket, reports Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post. The reigning NL batting champion was expected back by the end of July after suffering the injury on June 5 but has been slower than expected to recover.
More from Colorado Rockies
- MLB trade grades: Braves deal for Rockies reclamation project in bullpen revamp
- MLB standings ordered by hard hit rate: Struggling Cardinals still cracking bats
- MLB rumors: Why Yankees fans will be keeping an eye on Rockies this weekend
- MLB Rumors: New Yankees trade target will infuriate fans
- Yankees fans want John Flaherty fired after Rockies walk off
Cuddyer received clearance from doctors on Monday after undergoing an MRI, but he still has to build strength and get back into the groove of things after months off. Speaking to Saunders, he set a timetable at roughly four weeks for his return:
"“It’s pretty much what we thought we were going to hear — that it’s healing,” Cuddyer said. “I can start the strengthening process. We don’t have a specific timeline, because it’s all symptomatic right now.“But hopefully, three weeks from now, I can go out on a rehab (assignment) and I would be back five days after that.”"
The 35-year-old suffered the injury while playing third base against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The current situation may seem like bad news, but the MRI confirmed that the bone healed properly over the last few weeks. If that wasn’t the case, Cuddyer likely would’ve been done for the season.
Given that Cuddyer is in the final year of a three-year, $31 million deal, he should get the opportunity to end his stint in Colorado on a high note. He’s played quite well for the Rockies, including his second All-Star campaign in 2013 by hitting .331/.389/.530 with 20 homers in 540 plate appearances.
This season, Cuddyer has appeared in 31 games and batted .317/.366/.500 with five homers.