Brian Fuentes worked up a healthy sweat throwing a side session Thursday afternoon, but how soon the former closer will be healthy enough to pitch in a game remains a question mark.
Fuentes was scheduled to travel with the Rockies as they begin a 10-game road trip tonight in Milwaukee, but there is still a chance he could go on the 15-day disabled list. Fuentes declined comment, saying he had to get treatment on his strained left lat muscle.
The left-hander temporarily lost his closer role after blowing four consecutive saves on the Rockies’ past road trip.
Injured starter Jason Hirsh also threw a bullpen session, testing his sprained ankle. He was encouraged, but acknowledged he’ll likely miss the entire road trip.
“It’s definitely better, but it’s still only about 75 percent,” Hirsh said after throwing about 40 pitches.
Hirsh is slated to throw one more bullpen session, probably Sunday or Monday, before making a minor-league rehab start. Taylor Buchholz moves out of the bullpen to replace Hirsh and will start Monday’s game in Pittsburgh. It will be Buchholz’s first start since June 2 against Cincinnati.
“I always like to start, so I’m looking forward to it,” Buchholz said. “I feel really confident right now. I’ve had good command of my curve and fastball.”
Buchholz struggled as a starter earlier this season, going 1-3 with a 5.67 ERA in seven starts. He’s shined as a reliever, posting a 1.38 ERA in 13 innings.
Taveras healing
Worrying about his strained right quadriceps was way down on Willy Taveras’ to-do list during the all-star break. On Tuesday, Taveras’ wife, Jennifer, gave birth to Marina Brice.
“It’s pretty amazing,” Taveras said.
As for his injury, Taveras ran hard and stretched without significant pain during team workouts Thursday, signs that his strained right quadriceps is getting better.
“It feels a lot better,” Taveras said, adding he believes he’ll be ready for the weekend series in Milwaukee. “I think I can play, but that’s the manager’s decision.”
Footnote
Designated hitter Travis Hafner and the Cleveland Indians have agreed to a four-year, $57 million contract extension. Hafner’s deal is something of a benchmark for Matt Holliday, who would likely command similar money. However, there has been no discussion between Holliday and the Rockies about a contract extension.
