Scottsdale, Ariz. – Rockies’ opening-day starter Jason Jennings pitched his penultimate game of spring training Friday against the San Francisco Giants. The result was a smorgasbord.
In a 6-4 Rockies’ loss, Jennings pitched six innings, threw 97 pitches, gave up six runs on eight hits including a homer, struck out five and walked four.
“I felt decent and if I eliminate the walks, I think it’s a different story,” Jennings said. “I got the groundballs when I needed them, but they found the holes today.”
Jennings is scheduled to pitch his final spring game Wednesday when the Rockies host Arizona. He’ll throw the first pitch of the regular season against those same Diamondbacks on April 3 at Coors Field.
The 97 pitches provided Jennings with a good endurance test.
“In the middle innings it was hot and I had a lot of pitches, but this was a good test for me,” he said. “I felt fine that last inning when I went out. It was something I really wanted to do. I feel like I’m right there.”
Jennings’ performance sent manager Clint Hurdle mixed signals. Hurdle noted that the Giants hit the ball on the money only three times, one being a sharp single to center by Barry Bonds. But Hurdle was not pleased with the fifth inning when Jennings walked three and gave up three runs.
“He let that one inning get away when he didn’t throw strikes,” Hurdle said. “He can control that, he can fine-tune that. For him to take the next step, that’s an issue that he’s going to have to address this season. That’s always been a little bit of a rock in his shoe.”
About Schmidt
The Rockies don’t typically bring most of their starting lineup on late-spring road trips, but most of their starters were at Scottsdale Stadium Friday. The reason? No, not to see Bonds. It was to get a good look at Giants ace Jason Schmidt, a National League West hurler the Rockies will have to battle this season.
In seven strong innings, Schmidt gave up just one earned run on seven hits and whiffed four.
“He was as advertised,” Hurdle said. “He had a good breaking ball, threw strikes and got three double-plays when he needed them.”
Tsao’s baby steps
Reliever Chin-Hui Tsao, working his way back from shoulder surgery, threw off the mound for the first time Friday. Throwing at about 60 percent velocity, he threw 25 pitches, with no breaking balls. Early estimates were that Tsao might be back to game speed by June, but Hurdle said there is no specific timetable.
Trainer Keith Dugger said he hopes to have Tsao up to 30-35 pitches within the next month.
Footnotes
Catcher Yorvit Torrealba’s rough spring continues. Finally back from a sore throwing shoulder washed out much of his camp, he’s now dealing with a bruised right biceps, the result of not one but two foul tips this week. Dugger said he originally was concerned about swelling near Torrealba’s right elbow, but the swelling is subsiding and Torrealba should be fine. Former Rockies pitcher Jamey Wright is having a terrific spring with the Giants. In the hunt for the fifth-starter role, he has yet to give up an earned run in a Cactus League game. On Friday he pitched five innings against the Angels’ Triple-A team, allowing no runs, one hit, striking out six and walking none.
Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-820-5459 or psaunders@denverpost.com.
