Adding Ian Desmond to the Colorado Rockies in the off-season was a no-brainer of a move, and seemed like it was a ‘match made in Heaven’. But, during Sunday’s spring training game against the Reds, Desmond was struck in the hand with a pitch, and that very well could throw a wedge in the Rockies hopes for a hot start in 2017.
Ian Desmond was hit by tall Reds right-hander Rookie Davis with a 93-mph pitch. The Colorado Rockies new first baseman will see a hand specialist on Monday. This turn of bad luck for Colorado was not what they were hoping for when they signed him to a lucrative 5-year contract in the off-season. His addition was no doubt an effort to finally overcome the division rival San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers who have a stranglehold on the NL West.
Broken hand suffered by top free agent Ian Desmond a huge blow to colorado. At least they have Reynolds for 1B.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 12, 2017
Desmond’s acquisition was one of the better moves of the off-season as he is three-time Silver Slugger winner, and the Expos draft pick would seemingly only increase his impressive numbers in Denver. Fangraphs had Desmond having another All-Star level season, even as he would be learning another new position. In the meantime, the Rockies most likely will rely on veteran slugger Mark Reynolds at first.
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The Rockies gave up the 11th pick in the draft to sign Desmond, and the investment of 70 million dollars was significant. While the lineup is still loaded with talented hitters like Carlos Gonzalez, Nolan Arenado, and Charlie Blackmon, Desmond was perhaps what they were waiting for to put them over the top.
Bud Black summed up the Ian Desmond injury perfectly. "It's a bummer"
— Tom Helmer (@TheTomHelmer) March 12, 2017
Depending on the severity of the injury, the Rockies may want to acquire another bat to play first base until Desmond recovers. They may also look to give playing time to Jordan Patterson. Patterson was a fourth round pick in 2013, who is currently rated as the #20 prospect in Colorado’s organization.
Also, would possible talks occur between the Rockies and White Sox occur regarding the availability of Jose Abreu? Depending on how long Desmond is set to be out, this could become a more viable option.
The two-time all star Desmond is on his third big league club after spending all of his career with the Washington Nationals, and last season with the Texas Rangers. Desmond has been a model of consistency in the lineup as he has not played less than 130 games in a season since his first full season in 2010.
Missing any substantial period of time for Desmond would not be good for the Rox, and it will be something to keep a close eye on.