TUCSON — The lineup card for this afternoon’s Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks tells an encouraging story for the Rockies.
After bouts with injuries, right fielder Brad Hawpe and second baseman Jayson Nix are back in the starting lineup.
Hawpe, out of action because of a sore left elbow, makes his first start since March 10. Hawpe has been taking extensive batting practice and says there is no residual pain in his elbow.
Nix, the front-runner to be the starting second baseman on opening day, has been out for three days with tightness in his mid-back.
The Rockies also get a look at right-handed reliever Jose Vizcaino. He pitched an inning in a minor league game Friday and is scheduled to pitch today, then again Monday and Wednesday. The Rockies are eager to see if Vizcaino will be ready for the regular season. He’s missed time because of a sore elbow, then missed four days while he traveled to the Dominican Republic because of personal issues.
Patrick Saunders: 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com
