Colorado Rockies reliever Jason Motte likely to miss Opening Day with shoulder injury

For those paying close attention to such matters, Jason Motte has not pitched in a spring training game since March 24. Now we know why. He is out an indefinite amount of time with a strained shoulder, according to a report by the Denver Post's Patrick Saunders.

After signing a two-year deal with the Rockies this past offseason, Motte was expected to be a solid part of the Rockies bullpen this season. His spring ERA was high due to a couple of home runs allowed, but he had struck out four while walking none in 5⅔ innings pitched. Now there's a decent chance he will start the season on the disabled list.

Shoulder injuries for pitchers can be extremely worrisome and in worst case scenarios can end a pitcher's career faster than any other type of injury. They sap velocity and are unable to be repaired as effectively as elbows are these days. As more details of the extent of Motte's injury are revealed we'll have a better idea if it's just a minor injury and if he'll be back to form sooner than not.

Motte's injury does open up a spot in the bullpen battle that was previously locked up and should make it easier for either Scott Oberg and Miguel Castro to make the roster as well.