The lefthander will likely require Tommy John surgery and miss the rest of the 2011 season in addition to the start of the 2012 season.  De La Rosa left during the third inning of his start against the Arizona Diamondbacks with general elbow soreness, but the Rockies later confirmed the disappointing news.

The 30-year-old lefty signed a two-year deal with Colorado during the off-season in 2010 and was well on his way to putting together a career year this season prior to the injury.  In ten starts this year, he was 5-2 with a 3.51 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP, striking out 7.93 hitters per nine innings (K/9).  He was the only left-handed starting pitcher in the Rockies' rotation in 2011.

The Rockies have replacements for De La Rosa, as they have some major league ready arms in the bullpen, who are ready to start, but De La Rosa's production is irreplaceable for Colorado.  Righthander Greg Reynolds will start on Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals with Jhoulys Chacin starting a day earlier on Sunday according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post.  Troy also mentions that the rotation is likely set with Ubaldo Jimenez, Chacin, Jason Hammel, Clay Mortensen, and Reynolds moving forward.

In addition to the starters above, the Rockies will likely activate Aaron Cook from the disabled list early next week, but his status in the starting rotation is unknown for now.  Cook is currently on the 60-day-disabled list and will complete his rehabilitation assignment this weekend with Triple-A Colorado Springs.  Cook, the all-time leader in wins for the Rockies (69), fractured his finger in spring training this year, but is returning at a prominent time for the Rockies.  Upon Cook's return, Colorado will reevaluate the situation to determine their starting rotation for the rest of the season.