Rockies catcher Tom Murphy has become the latest player to suffer a fairly significant spring injury for Colorado, as Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports on Twitter. Murphy has been diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his right forearm that will sideline him for the next four to six weeks — though it’s not entirely clear whether that’s when he can be expected back in game action.
Murphy, who’ll soon turn 26, is slated to play a major role at the MLB level for the coming season. He has appeared in just 32 games in the majors entering the year, but has impressed (.266/.341/.608) at the plate in that brief span and laid waste to Triple-A pitching last year (.327/.361/.647).
The Rox will presumably lean on Tony Wolters in the meantime, increasing the pressure on the light-hitting 24-year-old. It seems likely that Dustin Garneau will crack the roster as well, as Jason Martinez of MLBTR and Roster Resource projects in an updated Rockies depth chart.
It’s also possible that Colorado will look into outside options, if for no other reason than to bolster the depth. A.J. Pierzynski and Dioner Navarro are among the available veterans, with Steve Clevenger also still unsigned after his controversial statements last year. It’s also plausible to imagine the Rockies keeping an eye on the waiver wire and looking at veterans who can opt out of their contracts in a few weeks’ time. The Nationals, for instance, have placed Derek Norris on waivers, and he could represent an appealing option.
The Rockies have been hit hard by the injury bug this spring. David Dahl, Ian Desmond, and now Murphy all seem likely to open the year on the DL. In those cases, at least, some of the absence will occur during camp time, and the players are expected to make their way back in relatively short order. The outlook is much less certain, and the situation significantly more worrisome, for workhorse righty Chad Bettis, who is undergoing chemotherapy.
Derek Norris signing in 5, 4,…
Jeez. Like they needed more injuries
Derek Norris come on down! You’re the next contestant……
WHEEL… OF … BACKUPS!!!!
It’s The Price is Right, Happy.
The Price is Wrong, [Bob].
I couldn’t think of a decent joke for TPIR… then again, I didn’t come up with a good one for Wheel, either.
Seems as if Rockies have replaced the Dodgers as this year’s jinxed team.
Could be worse… he could have suffered the injury during the archery contest Bud Black held as a team building exercise. A fractured firearm is bad, but an arrow sticking out of your neck is worse.
*leave “arrow to the knee” jokes here*
Fractured FOREARM, not firearm. Thanks, iPhone spell check
I would hate to fracture my firearm. It’s what I use for home defense.
Well you’d still have your forearm.
Sorry, I was gunning for some better clarity there.
uh.. Cam Rupp could be had for a B level prospect or two
Try C level
Can you imagine the bombs Rupp would hit at Coors?
Or Norris for no prospects.
Thoughts and Prayers.
DRINK YOUR MILK ROCKIES PLAYERS
But they have been drinking plenty of Malk. Now with Vitamin R!
Rockies have really been stung by injuries to key players in spring ball. First Dahl, then Bettis, Desmond and now Murphy.
#endspringtraininf
Well looks likw derrick norris to colorado prediction just picked up steam
Ulna or radius?
Shouldn’t you know, Doc? 😉
audry perez or francisco pena from orioles?
Enough of the sloppy cliche writing. Bettis has tossed 186 innings once…that’s not workhorse territory.