May 18, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies deliver Adam Ottavino (0) throws in the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies and closer Adam Ottavino (and the rest of us) will know more about the extent of his elbow injury on Monday.

Monday may bring Colorado Rockies fans their greatest fears realized, or perhaps a close call that turns into a nothing-burger as Adam Ottavino returns quickly to the mound after a 15-day disabled list stint.

Either way, though, in 24 hours the Rockies will know what they need to know about Ottavino, and the extent of his arm injury, which has morphed from triceps tightness to inflammation that possibly is impacting the elbow.

Obviously, any time a pitcher’s elbow comes into question, the dreaded words “Tommy John Surgery” pop up in everybody’s mind – especially in the case of a pitcher like Ottavino who hasn’t yet had Tommy John surgery, or any significant elbow problems during his career.

Thomas Harding of MLB.com reported on Ottavino’s diagnosis, which should be finalized Monday as the Rockies make a game plan going forward for the closer:

For now, Ottavino is on the 15-day disabled list with right triceps inflammation. However, MRI results Tuesday showed inflammation where the triceps tendon attaches above the elbow. The inflammation in the elbow area raises concern that there could be damage in the elbow ligament.

Several doctors and radiologists have done their examinations, but Noonan will provide the final diagnosis. The time between the initial MRI and Monday was planned as “part of the process,” Ottavino said, and can’t be classified as a lack of concern on the team’s part. Ottavino said Noonan will go over the MRI readings with him and do a physical exam.

The concern here isn’t as much the inflammation (which can be managed), but the “creep” of the inflammation from the triceps, as was originally reported, down into the elbow area that, as Harding notes, raises concerns.

On a purely speculative knee-jerk reaction, without knowing anything about Ottavino’s injury… ugh. Bad feelings.

Either way, we’ll know what we know on Monday, and whatever the diagnosis may be, we’ll report on it – and tell you what it means – here on Rox Pile.