SALT RIVER FIELDS—Colorado Rockies first baseman Ian Desmond left Sunday’s game during the bottom of the fourth after being hit in the hand. The team later stated that the preliminary diagnosis is a hand fracture.
The newly acquired free agent was hit by a pitch from Cincinnati Reds starter Rookie Davis, who also left the game shortly after that with an injury of his own. After heading to first, manager Bud Black and trainer Keith Dugger went out to talk to Desmond. He came out of the game. Jordan Patterson replaced him on the base paths and at first base. According to Nick Groke of the Denver Post, Desmond returned to the dugout during the top of the fifth with a brace visible on his hand.
At first, the injury didn’t appear serious. Desmond will see a hand specialist on Monday. It’s not clear how much time he’ll miss, but he’s almost certain to be out for the beginning of the season.