Brett Anderson injury: Broken index finger sends pitcher to DL for 4-6 weeks

Brett Anderson, who was just beginning to look like the pitcher the Rockies were hoping for when they shipped Drew Pomeranz out, is indeed headed for the disabled list with a broken left index finger.

It had been speculated earlier this week that Tyler Chatwood's return to action today would likely result in a corresponding move sending Chad Bettis to AAA Colorado Springs.

But with Brett Anderson sustaining a fluky hand injury when he connected with a Matt Cain pitch yesterday, and the news today that this injury will result in a DL stint for Anderson, the Rockies no longer need to make a corresponding move to make room for Chatwood, meaning that today's demotion of Charlie Culberson may only be temporary.

From the Denver Post last night:

Anderson was uncertain whether he would make his next start Thursday at San Diego. Feeling and mobility returned to the finger, but it was heavily wrapped.

"I hit a sinker off the end of the bat, and it was like a firework went off in my batting glove," Anderson said.

Initial reports had come back listing the injury as a "left-index finger contusion."

This means that Franklin Morales will remain in the starting rotation until Anderson (or Jhoulys Chacin) returns. Chad Bettis doesn't have to worry about packing his bag for Colorado Springs just yet.

Anderson out likely 4-6 weeks. Morales expected to replace him. Awful luck for anderson

— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) April 13, 2014

The good news on this injury is that it is specifically related to a singular incident and not to any of his previous injuries.

It is frustrating that the injury gods seem content to play whack-a-mole with the Colorado Rockies starting rotation which finally sees one of its main cogs return only to replace the one that is leaving. And Jorge de la Rosa has been anything but a steady rock, guiding this team through treacherous waters during these turbulent times.

But at least all the unevenness is giving the Rockies a look at their pitching depth which is better than it has been in a long time, and none of the injuries (so far, knock on wood) project as long-term problems. 4-6 weeks is more than we initially thought, but not world ending.