Rockies' Ian Desmond: Starting game action

Desmond (hand) traveled to Arizona with the Rockies on Thursday to play extended spring training games in Scottsdale, Nick Groke of The Denver Post reports.

Analysis:

While the Rockies prepare for a series with the division-rival Diamondbacks, Desmond will perform on-field work, a positive sign as he continues rehabbing his fractured left hand. He could return to the big leagues within the next week if all goes well, though that process may dip into mid-May if Colorado wants to remain cautious.