Montero has fractured finger

The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro reported today that Miguel Montero has a fractured index finger on his right hand. D-back's GM Josh Byrnes gave his opinion on what it will mean in the near term.

“A foul tip fractured his right index finger,” Byrnes said. “So we’ll probably ease off on hitting early (in spring training). He should be OK for catching bullpens and throwing. But in the longer view, I don’t think it will spill into games. We might be a little conservative with how he swings a bat in the first week or two.”

I would think this would give longtime utility man Robby Hammock a better chance of making the opening day roster. But, it really depends on the progress of both Chad Tracy and Montero. If Montero is not ready, then it's a no-brainer that Hammock will get the nod. However, the acquisition of super utility man Chris Burke in the Valverde trade will severely hamper the likelihood of keeping Hammock up if Montero is able to go.