Left-hander Lucas Gilbreath, who flashed promise as a late-game reliever for the Rockies, is out for the remainder of the season.
He’s planning to get a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection this week in the hopes that he can avoid Tommy John surgery. He’s been on the injured list with a left elbow flexor strain since Aug. 28.
“I’m hoping that everything goes well and I’m hoping to be ready for next season,” Gilbreath said after the Rockies’ 6-4 loss to the Brewers on Monday. “It’s frustrating to end the season this way, especially the way I was throwing lately.
“But I think we caught it at a good time and hopefully we can give it ample opportunity (to heal).”
Gilbreath, 26, a graduate of Broomfield’s Legacy High School, pitched very well for much of the season and posted a 4.19 ERA in 47 appearances. However, in his last seven outings, before he went on the IL, he was erratic, submitting a 6.75 ERA with a 1.69 WHIP.
He didn’t want to blame his poor performance on his ailing elbow but did say it was a factor.
“It didn’t feel great and there was a point when I was trying to work through it and make it happen,” he said. “The training staff did a great job trying to make me feel like I could compete.
“So that wasn’t necessarily the reason for my struggles, but toward the end, it definitely got to the point where it was annoying and it started to bother me when I was out there. That’s the time that we decided to take some action on it.”
Iglesias update. Veteran shortstop Jose Iglesias was not available for Monday’s game after injuring his left hand during the fourth inning of the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader at Cincinnati. Iglesias will undergo an MRI on Tuesday and the Rockies will then make a decision about a possible stint on the IL.
Black said that Iglesias has swelling and soreness in the palm and thumb areas of his left hand. Iglesias, 32, has been Colorado’s steadiest offensive player this season, putting together a slash line of .300/.337/.392 in 423 at-bats. He’s scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the season.
Daza’s return. Outfielder Yonathan Daza, out since Aug. 12 with a dislocated left shoulder, is close to returning from his rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque. He was en route to Denver on Monday but was not available for the afternoon’s game. Daza will likely be activated before Tuesday night’s game against the Brewers, meaning the Rockies will have to make a roster move to place Daza on the active roster.
Should Iglesias need time on the IL, Daza could replace Iglesias on the active roster. However, if Iglesias doesn’t have to go on the IL, the Rockies would likely have to make a roster move involving another outfielder.
