Well, this was not the news I was hoping for after a great Rockies victory this afternoon.

According to Denver Post beat reporter Troy Renck, Rockies starter Jorge De La Rosa, who left his start in the third inning with elbow soreness, has suffered a complete tear of the ulnar collateral ligament. Tommy John surgery in the next few days, which would keep De La Rosa out for about a calendar year, is the likely course of action.

De La Rosa was having his best year as a pro (5-2, 3.34/3.26 ERA/FIP, 49/20 K/BB entering today's game) until the injury. It's a shame that he has thrown his last pitch in 2011. Obviously this is a huge blow to Colorado's pitching staff and playoff hopes.

Here's a Troy Renck blog post about the injury with comments by De La Rosa's agent.

I'll write more about my thoughts on this injury and where it leaves the 2011 Rockies in tomorrow's Rockpile.