Tyler Chatwood injury: Rockies P exits spring training game after hurting leg

Rockies right-handed pitcher Tyler Chatwood exited the team's spring training game against the Mariners on Friday with a slight strain and cramping of his left hamstring, per the Rockies' communications department.

Chatwood suffered the injury while trying to stretch a double into a triple in the second inning. Why he decided it was a good idea to do that, who knows, but it could have a big effect on the Rockies' starting rotation to start the season.

Jordan Lyles was just optioned to Triple-A a few hours ago, but he'd be in line to step into the rotation if Chatwood's injury results in missed time. This is pure speculation at this point, of course, but if Chatwood's injury ends up being serious and one or both of Lyles and Franklin Morales struggle to hold down the fort, Eddie Butler's track to the majors could be furiously hastened, although Christian Friedrich would likely get a chance to show what he can do first.

More information should be available tomorrow after Chatwood is re-evaluated. In the meantime, start getting familiar with Lyles. There's no reason to believe that the Rockies won't be anything but cautious with this injury given what we know about them, so even missing one start could certainly be in the cards for Chatwood.