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Rockies: Ian Desmond breaks hand in spring training game

By Joshua Sadlock

Mar 9, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Ian Desmond against Puerto Rico during a 2017 World Baseball Classic exhibition game at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Ian Desmond against Puerto Rico during a 2017 World Baseball Classic exhibition game at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ian Desmond of the Rockies broke his hand after being hit by a pitch in Sunday’s exhibition game.

According to multiple published reports, Colorado’s Ian Desmond has suffered a broken hand after being hit by a pitch from Rookie Davis of the Reds. Desmond will be evaluated by a hand specialist at some point in the next few days when the swelling goes down. Early indications are that he will be out at least a month, which would place his return to the team near the end of April or early May.

It has been a rough stretch in spring training for one of the popular sleeper teams in baseball. Earlier last week, pitcher Chad Bettis announced that his cancer had spread. Promising outfielder David Dahl is dealing with a rib injury, and reliever Chad Qualls has an elbow injury.

"“It’s a bummer,” Colorado manager Bud Black said, via the Denver Post. “It’s a tough loss for us and a bad break for Ian. But at least it’s in spring. He’ll bounce back from this.”"

The Rockies made a big splash early in free agency by signing Desmond to a five-year deal for $70 million. It was a somewhat puzzling move given that the team has no need for him at shortstop —his position when he broke into the big leagues, or outfield, the position he played in 2016 with the Texas Rangers. The plan was always to have Desmond learn first base, something his athleticism should have allowed him to do fairly seamlessly.

With Desmond likely to miss nearly the entire first month of the season, the Rockies will turn to veteran first baseman Mark Reynolds. Reynolds is coming off a solid season in Colorado where he slashed .282/.356/.450 with 14 home runs and 53 RBI in 118 games. He has managed to shed his reputation as an all-or-nothing hitter and has improved defensively to the point where he is no longer a liability in the field.

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When Desmond does return, the Rockies will hope his form from last season carries over. After struggling in 2015, Desmond rebounded to bat .285/.335/.446 in Texas with 22 home runs and 21 steals. His speed and power will help make an already dangerous Rockies lineup that much more potent. The biggest issue Desmond may face is the valuable lost time learning the ins and outs of first base.

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