Opening-day starter Aaron Cook says he’s rested, ready and willing. And hopeful. Now it’s up to the Rockies’ brass to decide whether the right-hander will be on the 25-man playoff roster for the National League Championship Series against Arizona.
Indications are that Cook, out since Aug. 10 with a strained oblique muscle, could get his wish. Speedy center fielder Willy Taveras, recovering from a strained quadriceps, also is a candidate for the NLCS roster. The Rockies were making space on their 40-man roster Monday by moving out players such as reliever Dan Serafini.
Cook, 8-7 with a 4.12 ERA during the regular season, threw 75 pitches in a practice game last week in Tucson and came back to Denver encouraged he would be able to contribute.
“I am feeling healthy, so we will see,” he said Monday. “There’s no tiredness, no pain. I’m very encouraged to feel the way I did after 75 pitches.”
Asked how sharp he thought he would be after not throwing against big-league hitters for two months, Cook said: “I would think I would be able to fit in nicely. I have my arm strength; my arm is not hurting. I have complete confidence. I have faced (the Diamondbacks) plenty. I know what I have to do, and that’s not to do too much.”
The Rockies have until Thursday morning to make their roster decisions. Those decisions will be made by manager Clint Hurdle, pitching coach Bob Apodaca and general manager Dan O’Dowd.
