The Rockies breathed a collective sigh of relief Sunday, even after a 16-8 loss to Kansas City at Coors Field.
Carlos Gonzalez, their star center fielder, appeared to suffer a potentially serious injury when he crashed into the wall — at about the 422-foot mark, in a spot of the wall where there is less padding than others — catching a drive by the Royals’ Brayan Peña in the seventh inning.
Gonzalez was wheeled off the field on a cart and taken to an area hospital for X-rays. He was back at Coors Field by the end of the game to depart with the team for its seven-game road trip starting tonight in Atlanta.
“We don’t think there’s anything serious,” Rockies manager Jim Tracy said.
The team said Gonzalez suffered a contusion on his right wrist and is listed as day to day.
Tracy said Gonzalez, who drove in six of the Rockies’ eight runs with a double and home run, also hurt his left wrist but that it wasn’t as bad. Gonzalez was not made available for comment but later told The Post: “I am fine. Just sore. But I am OK.”
“He was more sore on the glove hand, his right wrist,” Tracy said. “But he did have a pretty good mark on the left one. Obviously, when he went face-first into the wall, both hands were in there at the same time and he probably caught a little bit of that fence where it (meets the wall).”
Tracy called Gonzalez’s catch “maybe the defensive play of the year.”
Rockies starter Jason Hammel, who suffered through his worst outing of his season, said he saw Gonzalez after the game.
“It looked like he was doing all right. Hopefully, it’s just a small bruise or something like that. Obviously, it’s an outstanding play. He’ll go get the ball for you, man. It’s impressive. Hopefully, he’ll not be missing any time.”
Said Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, when asked if there was concern the injury could worsen: “There always is. I went out there after he hit the wall. I think he’s OK. You never know, but I think he’s going to be all right.
“I give him credit. He’s not scared of the wall. He plays the game the right way.”
The Rockies hope Gonzalez returns soon. He’s been carrying a hot bat as Colorado begins a tough road swing. CarGo has at least two hits in five of his last seven games, including three homers. His six RBIs on Sunday tied a career high.
Adrian Dater: 303-954-1360 or adater@denverpost.com
