Carlos Gonzalez close to having final stitches removed

Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez had 17 stitches taken out of his left hand Sunday, and he'll have the final three or four removed within the next few days, MLB.com reports.

The final stitches were left in the crease between the thumb and the injured index finger. Once Gonzalez has the final stitches removed, he can begin working towards a return. Gonzalez has been out since June 3 after having a benign tumor removed from his finger.