Rockies' Ian Desmond: Expected to return in late April

Desmond (hand) is expected to return in late April, KOA news radio's Steffan Tubbs reports.

Analysis:

He will have surgery Wednesday to insert a metal plate in his left wrist to compensate for the fracture he sustained over the weekend. This is a shorter timetable than most were expecting, but it is also likely the most optimistic timetable, and such an injury could negatively affect his offensive production when he returns. In the meantime, Mark Reynolds, Stephen Cardullo and Jordan Patterson will compete to break camp in a role at first base while Desmond is on the mend.