Rockies lose Lucas Gilbreath for the season; Jose Iglesias facing an MRI

Left-hander Lucas Gilbreath, who flashed promise as a late-game reliever, won’t pitch again this season, manager Bud Black said Monday before the Rockies hosted the Brewers at Coors Field.

Gilbreath, who’s been on the injured list since Aug. 28, is dealing with a left elbow flexor strain. He is expected to get a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection this week.

“He’s doing better and feeling better,” Black said. “He’s going to get a PRP injection within the next four or five days. That should help the healing process. He will not come back this season. He’s done for the year.”

Gilbreath, 26, a graduate of Broomfield’s Legacy High School, pitched very well for much of the season and has a 4.19 ERA in 47 appearances. However, in his last seven outings, before he went on the IL, he was erratic, posting a 6.75 ERA with 1.69 WHIP.

Veteran shortstop Jose Iglesias was not available for Monday’s game after injuring his left hand during the fourth inning of the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader at Cincinnati. Iglesias will undergo an MRI on Tuesday and the Rockies will then make a decision about a possible stint on the IL.

Black said that Iglesias has swelling and soreness in the palm and thumb areas of his left hand. Iglesias, 32, has been Colorado’s steadiest offensive player this season, putting together a slash line of .300/.337/.392 in 423 at-bats. He’s scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the season.

Outfielder Yonathan Daza, out since Aug. 12 with a dislocated left shoulder, is close to returning from his rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque. He was en route to Denver on Monday but was not available for the afternoon’s game. Daza will likely be activated before Tuesday night’s game against the Brewers, meaning the Rockies will have to make a roster move to place Daza on the active roster.

Should Iglesias need time on the IL,  Daza could replace Iglesias on the active roster. However, if Iglesias doesn’t have to go on the IL, the Rockies would likely have to make a roster move involving another outfielder.