The Colorado Rockies have shut down left-handed starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa until at least September, as general manager Dan O'Dowd said on Wednesday. Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports that O'Dowd added it's possible De La Rosa will never appear in a game with the Rockies this season.
The news, which was revealed during a conference call with season ticket holders on Wednesday, comes after a recent examination of the pitcher's left elbow. De La Rosa had Tommy John surgery last June and he appeared to be nearing the end of his comeback a few weeks ago before a minor league rehab assignment ended prematurely.
There's still hope that De La Rosa will contribute this season, but the ongoing problems in his elbow don't leave a great deal of optimism. The pitcher has a $11 million player option for the 2013 season that's essentially a lock to be exercised.
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