A Rockies’ bullpen in need of reinforcement may have a potential answer in the clubhouse. Manuel Corpas threw a 25-pitch side session today and had no problems with his pitching elbow. He will begin a rehab assignment Wednesday in Salt Lake City with the Triple-A Sky Sox.
“I feel good. During the 15 days, nothing hurt. And in my first bullpen session I threw strikes. And today I threw strikes,” Corpas told The Denver Post. “I am ready to get back here and help.”
The mapped-out plan is for Corpas to pitch in relief Wednesday, rest for two days, then pitch back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday.
If those appearances go well, he would be on track to return to the Rockies after the All-Star break Thursday, July 16.
The bullpen has done well, but it has relied heavily on the surprise performances of Matt Daley and Joel Peralta. Providing another late-inning option could create better matchups for the pair. Corpas was pitching his best baseball of the season before his right elbow became swollen after a June 18 outing against Tampa Bay,
He had a 3.00 ERA in June, holding opposing batters to a .257 average. Compare that to April when they hit .395.
He was diagnosed with bone chips and received a cortisone shot. The right-hander, who lost the closer’s job to Huston Street earlier this season, insisted he’s not worried about his health.
“Maybe I will have surgery after the season. But I can pitch fine. I am not thinking about my arm,” Corpas said. “If something happens, it happens.”
Manager Jim Tracy confirmed that Corpas would soon begin a rehab assignment, wanting him to see how his arm responded to the adrenaline rush as opposed to throwing a simulated game in batting practice.
The Rockies are looking to break a two-game losing streak tonight when they host the Nationals at Coors Field at 6:40 p.m. A look at the lineups:
Rockies
CF Fowler
2B Barmes
1B Helton
RF Hawpe
SS Tulowitzki
3B Stewart
C Iannetta
LF Gonzalez
RHP Marquis
Nationals
CF Morgan
1B Johnson
3B Zimmerman
LF Dunn
RF Willingham
SS Guzman
C Josh Bard (a former Cherry Creek star)
2B Ronnie Belliard
RHP Stammen
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
