SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Rockies leaped into a risky move in December when they signed shortstop-turned-outfielder Ian Desmond to a rich, lengthy contract to play first base. The risk, it seemed, was asking him to suit up for a position he had never played.

But the danger waiting for Desmond was at the plate. The Rockies’ high-profile offseason free-agent signing was hit by a pitch in the fourth inning of a Cactus League game Sunday and broke his hand, the team said.

X-rays showed that Desmond fractured a bone on his glove side. His prognosis was not immediately known. He will be re-evaluated with a hand specialist in the coming days.

Desmond is probably out for at least a month, based on similar injury patterns.

“It’s a bummer,” Colorado manager Bud Black said. “It’s a tough loss for us and a bad break for Ian. But at least it’s in spring. He’ll bounce back from this.”

Desmond was hit by a pitch from Cincinnati Reds right-hander Rookie Davis, a fastball that sailed high and inside. Desmond walked to first base, but when the Reds made a pitching change, the Rockies removed Desmond from the game. He was attended to immediately by Black, Colorado athletic trainer Keith Dugger and several players. His hand was wrapped in a brace, and he soon walked with an escort to the Colorado clubhouse. Desmond left the complex without speaking.

Davis, the Reds pitcher, had injured his right ankle but remained in the game. He said after his exit that his ankle was hurting so much, he was unable to put regular pressure down as he stepped through his windup. And that caused the pitch to get away.

“The way I was throwing, I wanted to stay out and keep going,” David told The Cincinnati Enquirer after he limped out of the game.

Within the past week, the Rockies lost starting pitcher Chad Bettis after his cancer spread, along with starter Chris Rusin, who suffered an oblique strain. Less than two weeks ago, they lost outfielder David Dahl to a rib injury. And relief pitcher Chad Qualls is suffering with an elbow injury, it was learned Sunday.

“Real tough week, no doubt about it,” Black said.

Jordan Patterson replaced Desmond at first base. Right fielder Stephen Cardullo hit a grand slam on the Rockies’ next at-bat.

Desmond signed a five-year, $70 million contract with the Rockies in December to play first base. They are counting on him to add even more force to a potent offensive lineup that ranked first in the National League last year with a .794 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage).

In eight seasons, Desmond is a three-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time all-star. He was a mainstay at shortstop with the Washington Nationals before moving to the outfield with the Texas Rangers last season, where he hit .285 with 22 home runs.

The Rockies will have to decide on a starting first baseman, probably to begin the season next month. Mark Reynolds, who signed a minor-league deal in the offseason, was the Rockies’ starting first baseman last season and was expected to be a utility bench player.

“Mark was a big part of this team last year. He makes a lot of sense,” Black said.

Reynolds last season missed time after he broke the Hamate bone in his hand after being hit by a pitch. He is not on the 40-man roster. But his spot with the team now seems set.

Patterson, a minor-leaguer who has the second-most innings at first base for the Rockies this spring, may also be in the mix, along with Cardullo. They both made their major-league debuts late last season. Outfielder Gerardo Parra, who learned the position on the fly last season, could also play the corner.

“We have some options,” Black said.

Tough break

The Rockies on Sunday lost high-profile first baseman Ian Desmond to a broken hand after he was hit by a pitch. They don’t know when he will return. So who might replace him?

Mark Reynolds, 33: Their starting first baseman last year. He was re-signed on a minor-league deal as a utility player. Hit .282 and 14 HRs last year but struck out nearly once per game.

Jordan Patterson, 25: Debuted with the Rockies late last season. Has played the second-most innings at first base this spring, behind Desmond. Hit .293 with 14 HRs in Triple-A last year.

Stephen Cardullo, 29: Also made his debut last season. Hit his second grand slam this spring Sunday. Hit .308 with 17 HRs in Triple-A last year.

Gerardo Parra, 29: Learned the position for the first time last season in helping back up Reynolds. With David Dahl out (rib injury), Parra may be more needed in the outfield.