Rockies' Brett Anderson likely done for season with bulging disc

Colorado Rockies starter Brett Anderson has been diagnosed with a bulging disc in his back and is likely to miss the remainder of the season. Anderson will see a specialist Monday to determine the next step in his treatment

Colorado Rockies starter Brett Anderson has been diagnosed with a bulging disc in his back and is likely to miss the remainder of the season, Rockies trainer Keith Dugger told reporters Sunday.

Anderson will see a specialist Monday to determine the next step in his treatment.

The left-hander was forced to leave his start last Tuesday after just three innings when his back locked up, at which point the Rockies said Anderson was likely headed to the disabled list. He missed three months earlier this season with a fractured index finger.

Anderson has an extensive history of injuries, having not made more than 19 starts in a year since his rookie season in 2009. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2011 and missed almost four months last season due to a stress fracture in his foot.

The 26-year-old recorded a 2.91 ERA in his eight starts this season. Traded to Colorado from the Oakland Athletics before this season, Anderson has a $12 million club option or a $1.5 million buyout for 2015. The Rockies elected not to move Anderson at this year's trade deadline, indicating interest in keeping the pitcher at least for next season.

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- Ben Estes