John Axford recently experienced a parenting nightmare.
The Rockies relief pitcher anxiously left spring training last Wednesday after finding out his 2-year-old son, Jameson, had been bitten by a baby rattlesnake while staying at the family’s rental home in Arizona, The Denver Post reported.
MORE: Bold predictions for Rockies | Fantasy Closer Watch
"It was sheer panic," Axford told the Post. "Things got very bad, very quickly."
Axford's son was taken to a Phoenix hospital in serious condition after the snake bit him twice on his right foot. He was administered six vials of anti-venom medication and is now in stable condition. He may need to have one of his toes amputated if doctors can't stop necrosis of his foot.
"We can't do anything, except give him hugs and kisses — and pancakes sometimes," Axford told the Post.
Axford returned to the Rockies' clubhouse for a bullpen session Tuesday, but is unsure when he’ll return to the team on a full-time basis.
"The last thing I want to do is think about baseball," Axford said, according to the Post. "We're not sure what is happening. As bad as it looks, it's looking better. We're trying to take things step by step. Any positive thoughts people have for him would be well-received."
Axford, who turns 32 on April 1, was added to the Rockies' 40-man roster in February and is guaranteed $2.6 million this season.