Apr 13, 2017; San Francisco, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray (55) throws to the San Francisco Giants in the first inning of their MLB baseball game at AT&T Park. Photo Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Rockies put starting pitcher Jon Gray on disabled list Friday with a broken navicular bone in the middle of his left foot, and manager Bud Black said he expects Gray to be out for more than a month.
Gray was forced to leave Thursday’s game against San Francisco in the fourth inning because of soreness in the foot. The injury apparently occurred two innings earlier when Gray jumped to grab a high chopper.
The injury was initially believed to be an aggravation of a minor injury he suffered in spring training.
However, an MRI performed Friday indicated the injury was more serious. Gray was placed in a knee-high protective boot.
“It’s a little strange,” Gray told the Denver Post. “I didn’t know what was going on. I was surprised.”
Gray is the Rockies’ No. 1 starter. He went 10-10 with a 4.61 ERA last season. Although he is 0-0 this year, the the Rockies have won all three games he started, including victories over Giants ace Madison Bumgarner and Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw.
“It’s saddening news for us,” Black said of Gray’s injury. “A bit of a surprise.”
The Rockies also placed left fielder Gerardo Parra on paternity leave and called up outfielder Raimel Tapia and reliever Shane Carle from Triple-A Albuquerque.
With two days off next week, the Rockies could skip Gray’s next start with a four-man rotation. Tyler Anderson, Friday’s starter, will pitch in Gray’s spot Wednesday against the Dodgers.
But the Rockies figure to miss Gray eventually.
“Especially the way Jon has been throwing the ball,” Black said. “He’ll get back, hopefully, relatively soon.”
