Ian Desmond

Ian Desmond (hand) could be back for Rockies by end of April

Colorado Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond (hand) is expected to return in late-April, manager Bud Black said during an appearance on KOA NewsRadio on Tuesday.

What It Means:

Desmond was hit by a pitch on Sunday that caused a fracture in his left hand, but the expectation is he was looking at a much longer absence. There should be a more specific timeline following his surgery on Wednesday. The Rockies will use Mark Reynolds at first base in the meantime.

Desmond slashed .285/.335/.446 with 22 home runs, 86 RBI's and 21 stolen bases across 677 plate appearances for the Texas Rangers last season.