Aaron Cook said he won’t shed any tears or feel any goose bumps when he takes the mound Saturday night at Coors Field against Philadelphia.
But others might be a little misty.
“It is emotional for us,” Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd said Wednesday. “I don’t think people understand how close he was to dying. This really is a miracle.”
The last time Cook pitched for the Rockies was Aug. 7. He was forced to leave a game at Coors because of dizziness and shortness of breath. A few hours later, tests revealed pulmonary embolisms – blood clots – in his lungs. After two major surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, Cook is back in the big leagues.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Cook on Tuesday night he would be the Rockies’ starter Saturday, and hopefully for the remainder of the season. Hurdle selected Cook over Jose Acevedo, despite Acevedo’s strong outing Monday night in a victory over the Mets. Cook is expected to be limited to about 100 pitches Saturday. Acevedo will return to the bullpen beginning Friday.
“That’s OK with me,” Acevedo said. “I’ll do what they ask me to. And (Cook) has earned this.”
Hurdle explained his decision this way: “I think the impression Aaron made on us last year, before the injury, gives enough credibility and substance for the move. He has an opportunity to start 12 games, to finish the season strong and healthy. We would like to get this rotation in place to the best of our ability the last six weeks of the season.”
In the five-start stretch before his ordeal, Cook was 3-1 with a 1.96 ERA.
Cook still loves baseball, but his long road back has made him realize it’s just a game. He said he’s not going to get emotional about Saturday’s start, nor will he have any family members come in for the occasion. However, Cook sees why some will view the game as something special.
“I can understand why there are some people here who feel that way,” he said. “This is the only organization I have ever known.”
Cook has been a member of the Rockies’ organization since 1997 when he was 18.
Helton update
With a roster move necessary to activate Cook, Todd Helton is bracing for the possibility of going on the disabled list for the first time in his major-league career. Helton strained his left calf muscle Monday night and missed his second straight game Wednesday night. Although his leg feels better, Helton said he is not ready to play.
“It’s (management’s) decision. And if I’m not ready in four days, I’m probably looking at the DL,” he said.
Danger zone
The image of Boston Red Sox pitcher Matt Clement being drilled in the head by a line drive Tuesday has been shown over and over on TV.
Rockies rookie pitcher Jeff Francis has watched it and admitted he has thought about the danger he faces on the mound.
“I’ve been flinching all of my life,” Francis said. “I got hit when I was about 10, in the leg, and I almost quit pitching. That made a big impact on me. So I try to keep the glove up here in the area around my face. But even then, if the ball is hit really, really hard there is nothing you can do.”
Shawn Chacon has never been hit in the head but has had several close calls. He has a mark on his ankle where he was hit by a line drive two years ago.
“I’ve had some screamers whiz by, but you can’t worry about it,” Chacon said.
Footnote
Triple-A infielder Jeff Baker, out with a hand injury, was activated. If he can stay healthy, Baker is in line for a September call-up.
Staff writer Troy E. Renck contributed to this report.
Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-820-5459 or psaunders@denverpost.com.
