Thumb injury puts De La Rosa's season in doubt

DENVER -- Rockies manager Walt Weiss indicated he would decide on whether to shut down starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa for the year on Sunday.

De La Rosa has pitched through a bruised thumb on his pitching hand since June 17, an issue that has kept him from going deeper into some games. The lefty was pulled after just two innings in his last start, a Sept. 10 loss to the Giants.

Weiss said after the Rockies' 7-2 loss to the D-backs that De La Rosa tried to pitch again Saturday -- when he missed his second straight scheduled start -- and it didn't go smoothly.

"Jorge tried to throw today," Weiss said. "Didn't go great, but we'll check in with him again tomorrow to see if he can make another start. "

De La Rosa has arguably been the best pitcher in the Rockies' rotation this year. He's posted a 2.76 ERA at home -- outstanding at hitter-friendly Coors Field -- and has tied a career-high with 16 wins. Those 16 victories are tied for third-most in the league, but after he picked up his last win Sept. 4 over the Dodgers, that marked was tied for most in the National League.

Earlier this week, he was optimistic that he would be ready for his next start Saturday. However, Collin McHugh had to pitch in his place, allowing six runs and 11 hits in five innings.