Bud Black updates on when Ian Desmond could return to action

Last week was one to forget for the Colorado Rockies regarding injury news. Most notably, Ian Desmond — Colorado’s prized free agent signing — fractured his left hand in last Sunday’s game after an errant pitch from Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rookie Davis.

Desmond, 31, underwent surgery on his second metacarpal in his left hand Wednesday afternoon.

“The surgery was deemed successful. Now it’s just the healing process of going on. There’s a lot of modalities and some other healing techniques that are taking place.” Black said. “Mentally he’s doing great and we are thinking this is hopefully return to action sometime in April.”

Black clarified that he meant game-ready and not just resuming full workouts.

This is pretty exciting news, considering Desmond won’t miss as much time as initially expected.

Desmond appeared in nine games this Spring, hitting .240/.269/.400 with one double, one home run, and four RBI.

Desmond is no stranger to a position change. Desmond served strictly as an outfielder for the Texas Rangers last season — his first full season in the outfielder — after beginning his career as a shortstop for the Washington Nationals.

Desmond signed a five-year, $70 million deal this offseason with Colorado, setting to serve as the teams primary first baseman. With Desmond out for around a month, Colorado will be getting a longer look at Jordan Patterson who will be battling or perhaps platooning with Mark Reynolds to warm up the spot until Desmond returns.