Senzatela avoids surgery, likely out months

DENVER – Rockies right-hander Antonio Senzatela has been diagnosed with a right elbow sprain and does not need surgery, he said on Friday following an MRI exam.

On Wednesday, in his second start since he returned from left knee surgery, Senzatela left the Rockies’ 4-3 victory over the Pirates after 2 2/3 innings because of discomfort in the elbow. Andrew McCutchen knocked a two-run homer on the final pitch from Senzatela, whose fastball velocity was down dramatically.

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The Rockies placed Senzatela on the 15-day injured list and claimed veteran righty Chase Anderson off waivers from the Rays.

Senzatela, 28, said the pain occurred after his first 2023 start, when he held the Mets to one run in five innings on May 5. He thought he could work through the discomfort Wednesday.

While the news so far is encouraging, Senzatela admitted some worry. As it stands, he believes he will miss at least two months.

“Hopefully, I’ll rest and get back on track soon,” Senzatela said. “It’s going to be a while, but, hopefully, I’ll get back. I feel really good because we don’t have to go to surgery, but it never is too good being on the IL.”

Manager Bud Black said the news “was favorable, considering that in these cases, you always expect the worst.”

Senzatela said he will discuss the treatment steps with doctors.

Senzatela’s injury comes at a time when the Rockies’ rotation depth is being tested.

Rookie Noah Davis, who went to the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation after his April 29 start against the D-backs, began playing catch on Friday. Also on Friday, Germán Márquez underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Rockies medical director Dr. Thomas J. Noonan performed the operation.

Anderson, 35, began 2023 with five starts for the Reds’ Triple-A Louisville affiliate (2-1, 4.30 ERA in 23 innings) before the Rays purchased his contract. Anderson made two scoreless relief appearances, covering five innings, for the Rays.

In plugging a rotation hole, the Rockies opted for Anderson and his 201 Major League games (183 starts) over a couple of alternatives at Triple-A Albuquerque -- righties Karl Kauffmann and Phillips Valdez -- who had pitched well lately. Neither Kauffmann nor Valdez is on the 40-man roster.

Black said Anderson could start Tuesday night against the Reds at Coors Field.

“The timing worked out for us,” Black said. “After two quick outings for Tampa, they made another move and he was the one they let go. They tried to hang onto him, but we claimed him.”