Ian Desmond Remains Positive Despite Hand Surgery

Ian Desmond is now driving a golf cart around the Scottsdale Colorado Rockies complex to watch his teammates take part in practice.

He can drive the cart with his right hand but his left his wrapped up following surgery. Desmond had been ready to start at first base on opening day for the Rockies but broke a bone in the left hand when hit by a pitch last Sunday.

He had successful surgery during the week and Friday was the first time he spoke publicly about the injury. He appeared upbeat despite likely missing four to six weeks.

He called it part of the game and mentioned that during his career he has been fortunate to avoid injuries such as the one he suffered Sunday.

Desmond said once team trainers pulled him from the game, he knew the hand was worse than he originally thought.

Doctors shortly afterward diagnosed a fracture and said surgery would be needed. Desmond signed a five year deal for $70 million with Colorado during the offseason.

The past couple of seasons, Desmond has played both outfield and shortstop, but Colorado wants him at first.

Until Desmond returns, Mark Reynolds will start at first. Desmond said he has will work at being a good teammate while injured, keep his body in shape and try to get to know his teammates better.

Desmond said moving to his new position was going well until his injury. He has watched others at first base, including new teammate Reynolds and has learned through observation and first hand playing the position until he was hit by a pitch.

Desmond said that he watched Anthony Rizzo of the Chicago Cubs from the Rockies dugout when Colorado played Chicago and Eric Hosmer of the Kansas City Royals on television during the World Baseball Classic.

Bud Black the Rockies manager said Desmond started practicing right away at first base following the signing of his contract during the winter.

Black said Desmond made strong progress at first to the point the team was not concerned about his ability to play the position defensively.

The Rockies manager added that once Desmond returns and gets additional reps he will become even more comfortable at the position.

When asked if he knew of a timetable for returning, Desmond said he was not a doctor but would try to return as quickly as possible to help the team.