Coming off yesterday’s off day there were injury updates on all of the Rockies currently on the team’s disabled list from various sources. Most of the news was positive; however, there were a few worrisome updates.
The Rockies may finally be nearing the return of their ace, Jon Gray. With the dominance of the quartet of rookie starting pitchers, it’s been easy to forget that the Rockies have been missing their best hurler. Gray threw a simulated game today and looked and felt fine. Prior to Gray’s outing, Bud Black was on MLB Network Radio saying the club expects him to throw another simulated outing and then decide about rehab. The current timeline for Gray rejoining the Rockies appears to be 2-3 weeks away now.
The news for David Dahl is not nearly as encouraging. The Rockies have sent Dahl back to extended spring training in Arizona. Unfortunately, he still experiences pain on certain motions and the Rockies have decided to back off and let things heal more. At this point, there is no timetable for Dahl’s return.
Adam Ottavino is feeling good according to Patrick Saunders and Thomas Harding says Otto will throw a bullpen tomorrow. Jake McGee has pitched well in the setup role that he inherited with Ottavino’s placement on the DL, but the return of a healthy No. 0 could be a big boost to the Rockies’ ‘pen. Hopefully Ottavino will be ready to return when he is eligible to come off the DL this Friday.
In the same article, Harding also gave an in-depth update on Tom Murphy’s rehab. Before starting his assignment this past weekend, Murphy had not appeared in a game since the middle of Spring Training when he broke his forearm. Because of the extended time missed, it’s not surprising that it may take a while for him to get in baseball shape and ready to contribute at the big-league level.
Tyler Anderson is eligible to return from the DL on Sunday, June 11. Nick Groke is reporting that for now the Rockies have penciled in Antonio Senzatela for that start. At this point, there is no public timeframe for Anderson’s return. Black did mention during his MLBNR interview that getting Anderson back to Denver and having the Rockies doctors look at his knee may give them a better idea of the timetable.
The best news of the week though is undoubtedly the return of Chad Bettis to the Rockies’ clubhouse. Unlike his previous visit to the clubhouse while the team was in Arizona, this return is for good. Bettis has finished his chemotherapy, had a clear blood test and his chemo port removed. He now has to regain the strength that he lost during his ordeal and get back in playing shape.
Bettis’ plan is to be back by mid July. That might be optimistic, but at this point that’s his right.