Murphy to miss 1 month with finger avulsion
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rockies took a hit late Tuesday, learning Daniel Murphy will miss at least a month with a left index finger avulsion fracture.
Murphy was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday (retroactive to Saturday). He injured the digit fielding a grounder during Friday’s game against the Marlins. It’s unclear whether he’ll need surgery, but Colorado manager Bud Black said he believed there were recommendations against a procedure.
Four weeks is an optimistic window for return, and Black cautioned Murphy could be out up to six weeks.
“When you see Daniel, he’ll not want to hear timetables,” Black said. “I think every player feels as though he can beat the day, but when he’s ready, he’s ready.”
Murphy, 34, signed with Colorado as a free agent in the offseason and was expected to be its starting first baseman. He slashed .299/.336/.454 with 12 home runs in 91 games for the Nationals and Cubs in 2018, but played just two games with the Rockies in ’19 before sustaining the injury.
Colorado will look to Mark Reynolds and Ryan McMahon to plug the hole at first in Murphy’s absence. Pat Valaika, who was recalled from Triple-A earlier this week and joined the team Tuesday, is also expected to chip in.
“This is one of those injuries that just takes time for that bone to heal,” Black said. “This is bone with tendons, with ligaments and that small little joint, and nature just has to take its course.”
McGee heads to IL; Estevez recalled
Left-hander Jake McGee threw 1 1/3 scoreless frames against his former team on Monday before he felt “something weird” in his left knee following a strikeout of Willy Adames in the eighth inning.
He left the game after consulting with training staff and was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left knee sprain early Tuesday, a setback for the 32-year-old who is hoping to bounce back after recording a 6.49 ERA over 51 1/3 innings last season.
“[McGee]’s encouraged about how he feels today,” Black said. “It’s something that he’s had before and bounced back in a couple-week period. So hopefully that’s it.”
Colorado recalled Carlos Estevez from Triple-A Albuquerque to fill the open roster spot. Estevez, 26, has a combined 5.36 ERA in 98 appearances for Colorado over the past two seasons. He last pitched for the Rockies in 2017 and finished 5-0 in 35 appearances.
Walking wounded
Chris Rusin (mid-back strain) is getting closer to throwing off a mound and had a side session scheduled for Tuesday. … Antonio Senzatela (right heel blister) is headed to Triple-A for a rehab stint with Albuquerque.