SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rockies outfielder Gerardo Parra underwent surgery last Friday to remove the broken hook of the hamate bone in his right hand, but says he will be ready for Cactus League game action in the March 8-10 range.
Parra (.309, 10 homers, 71 RBIs in 115 games in 2017) was already in Scottsdale taking batting practice when he felt pain in the hand, then he underwent an MRI that led to surgery. Noted Scottsdale hand surgeon Dr. Donald Sheridan performed the operation.
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"We're fine," said Parra, 30, headed into the final year of a three-year, $27.5 million contract with a club option for 2019. "We have a lot of time before Opening Day. I'll just continue to work on my body and maybe in two weeks I'll swing."
The injury can have a quick recovery relative to other bone breaks. In August 2016, then-Rockies first baseman Mark Reynolds suffered the same injury and missed just 16 games over a 20-day period.
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"You're always concerned when there are any sorts of procedures," manager Bud Black said. "But in this case, this one is pretty straightforward for most all players, and the recovery rate is very, very high -- he's going to be fine."
The Rockies expect Parra to man one of the corner-outfield positions, with the actual position contingent on roster makeup. However, younger outfielders such as David Dahl, Raimel Tapia and Mike Tauchman expect to push for playing time.
"My particular position is to stay in the lineup," Parra said. "Wherever the manager needs me, I'll play that position."
Parra signed before the 2016 season but appeared in just 102 games and hit .271 with seven homers and 39 RBIs. A left ankle sprain, which cost him 46 games in June and July, not only curtailed his playing time but left his movement so limited that he had to play unfamiliar first base after his return.
Last season, Parra was batting .318 on June 6 when he suffered a right quadriceps injury that cost him 28 games. He was hitting .325 on Sept. 19 before a 1-for-27 (with one walk) slump to end the regular season dropped his numbers.