Christian Colon headed to test broken finger in Arizona games

After missing three weeks with a broken middle finger, Royals utility infielder Christian Colon flew to the team’s complex in Arizona on Wednesday in a last-ditch attempt to prove his health to the club before the postseason begins.

Colon will play in instructional league games. He could be a crucial piece of the postseason roster as a backup infielder, and a player who could even start at third base against left-handed pitchers. But first he must handle his rehabilitation assignment.

“We just want to see if he can play,” manager Ned Yost said before Wednesday’s game against the Indians. “Then we’ll make our decision.”

The Royals placed Colon on the disabled list last week. It was a procedural maneuver, one designed to potentially open up a spot on the playoff roster for a player who might not be eligible. But with few other players stepping up, Colon looks like their best option for the bench. He posted a .790 on-base plus slugging percentage in 20 games this season.

Earlier in the week, Yost cast doubt about Colon’s availability for the rest of the season. Colon found those comments curious. He insisted he felt ready to return to action soon. The team made the decision to send him to Arizona after consultation with trainer Nick Kenney.

“I watched him taking batting practice yesterday,” Yost said. “He looked fine. I watched him throw. He looked good. Nick and I talked last night, and it’s an option. Send him down there, and let him play in three or four games, and see where we’re at.”

This story was originally published September 24, 2014 at 7:03 PM with the headline "Christian Colon headed to test broken finger in Arizona games."