TUCSON — Missing from the early spring pitching rotation is right-hander Matt Belisle, the right-hander who signed a minor-league contract with the Rockies during the offseason.
Belisle, a dark-horse candidate for the fifth-starter job, is sidelined with a forearm strain. Fortunately, he’s close to returning, probably early next week. The Rockies’ first Cactus League game is Wednesday when they host Arizona at Hi Corbett Field.
“It’s a hiccup he’s getting over,” pitching coach Bob Apodaca said today. “He should be ready to go soon.”
Belisle, 28, described the injury as “tightness in my forearm.”
“I had the same thing last year, so I’m not too worried about it,” he added. “I think I should be ready to go in a few days.”
Pitching for Cincinnati last season, Belisle began the season on the 15-day disabled list because of forearm troubles. After his return, he went 1-4 with a 7.28 ERA in six starts. Belisle’s 2008 season ended in August when he had ACL surgery on his right knee.
In 2007, Belisle was 8-9 with a 5.32 ERA in 30 starts for the Reds in 2007.
Flores progresses
Left-handed reliever Randy Flores, coming back from shoulder surgery, is nearly ready to pitch in spring games. He’s thrown three times off the mound and faces one more session before he throw’s live batting practice. If that goes well, the next step would be to pitch in a game.
Embree returns
Reliever Alan Embree, the Rockies’ No. 1 left-handed set-up man, returned to camp today after a two-day leave of absence. Embree is scheduled to pitch an inning in Wednesday’s game vs. Arizona.
Patrick Saunders: 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com
