Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray will make a rehab start for Class A Advanced Lancaster on Wednesday night, Thomas Harding reports. Gray has only pitched 12 innings so far this season. He injured his foot while fielding a ball in play on April 13.
Right now, it Gray is slated for at least two rehab starts. The first one on Wednesday will be for four innings and 60 pitches. The next one will be five innings and 75 pitches. Harding writes, however, that Bud Black wants Gray to pitch a third rehab start that would last six innings and 90 pitches.
Gray has already thrown a three-inning and 45 pitch simulated game. Steve Foster told Harding that it went well. The velocity was normal and the command was “OK.” Because of the nature of Gray’s injury, he was able to kept up his arm strength, so for him it’s a matter of lower body strength and getting into the groove of pitching again.
Upon Gray’s return, the Rockies will face a crunch in the rotation that could see one of the current five starters either move to the bullpen or be optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque. With this news, that crunch will take place two to three weeks from now.