SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Aaron Cook found solace in “Finding Nemo” when explaining to his family how a cursed spring training became worse Friday.
He broke the tip of his right ring finger, requiring the removal of the fingernail, after catching his finger in a door at the house in which he’s staying. It will leave Cook unable to throw for at least two weeks, and possibly delaying his major-league return until May.
He was already out with inflammation in his right shoulder.
“I told them it was like that scene when Dory tells (Marlin), ‘You have to just keep swimming, keep swimming,’ ” Cook said. “It’s unfortunate.”
Cook’s frustration comes in the timing. His right shoulder had responded to a recent cortisone shot. Friday, he was supposed to throw his first bullpen session in nearly three weeks.
“I have probably slammed my finger in a door 100 times, and this is the time something breaks. The guys in the clubhouse told me I need to be in a bubble,” Cook said. “At two weeks, I am hoping to start throwing. I don’t use the finger really to grip the ball. So as long as it doesn’t hurt when I throw, I am going to push as fast as I can to get back.”
When he’s able to throw, Cook will begin a lengthy period of arm strengthening, bullpen sessions, live BP and a rehab assignment.
Esmil Rogers is the leading candidate for the fifth starter’s spot.
With Cook, John Maine and Clayton Mortensen as depth, the Rockies are not exploring trade options for now.
Skip start.
Rockies pitcher Jorge De La Rosa, who slots second in the rotation, will skip Sunday’s start as a precaution because of a sore muscle in his left side.
Had it been the regular season, he said he would have pitched. He will start next Friday.
“It’s nothing serious,” Rockies manager Jim Tracy said.
Juan Nicasio will take his place against Oakland.
Footnotes.
Eric Young Jr., a candidate for a roster spot if Ian Stewart starts the season on the DL, will make his spring debut today. He has been eased in slowly because of a stress fracture in his right tibia. . . .
Catcher Wilin Rosario is expected to play for the first time today. . . .
The Rockies released catcher Chad Moeller to give him a shot with another team. . . . Tracy praised the Rockies’ defense, saying it reinforces to pitchers why they shouldn’t be afraid of contact.
