SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Rockies are suddenly searching for utility infielders after learning Saturday they will be without two of them.
Pat Valaika, Colorado’s primary pinch-hitter and backup infielder last season, suffered an oblique strain and will miss 2-3 weeks, manager Bud Black said.
“He’s a little banged up. So Pat is down for a little bit,” Black said.
And veteran Shawn O’Malley, the club learned, has a broken left hand that will require surgery. He will miss 4-6 weeks — and his shot at making the opening-day roster has ended.
O’Malley on Friday injured his left hand diving for a ball up the middle in the third inning against Arizona.