Mar 11, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Ian Desmond (20) singles in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Photo Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Colorado Rockies first baseman Ian Desmond fractured his left hand when he was hit by a pitch during Sunday’s exhibition game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Desmond, signed to a five-year, $70 million deal as a free agent in the offseason, will see a hand specialist on Monday, the club announced.
The 31-year-old Desmond was plunked by a tailing fastball from Reds right-hander Rookie Davis in the fourth inning of the Cactus League game.
“It was just a fastball that got away from the right-handed pitcher, direct contact to the hand,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “It’s a bummer. It is. It’s a tough blow for us and a bad break for Ian.”
Desmond hit .285 with 22 home runs and 21 stolen bases in 156 games for the Texas Rangers last season. For his career, he is hitting .267 with 132 homers and 518 RBIs.
Mark Reynolds, the starting first baseman for Colorado last year, signed a minor-league deal with the team in the offseason and is the likely replacement for Desmond in the short term.
“Mark was a big part of this team last year. He makes a lot of sense,” Black said.
