PHOENIX — Huston Street’s 2009 detour is about to end.
The Rockies’ injured closer threw about 25 pitches in a simulated game today and emerged confident and pain-free. Street said he’s been told he will be activated for Sunday’s game against the Diamondbacks.
“I feel great,” a smiling Street said this afternoon before the Rockies took on Arizona in another key game in the playoff chase. “There was no pain, no stiffness and my velocity is good. I’m excited to get back.”
Street has been out since Sept. 1 with biceps tendonitis.
Plans are for Street to ease into bullpen action before regaining his closer role.
Starter Aaron Cook is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Saturday as he works his way back from a sore shoulder. He still hopes to contribute to the Rockies this season.
“I’m feeling good,” Cook said. “I hope to throw about 65 pitches. Then we’ll see how I feel and decided on the next step.”
The Rockies enter tonight’s game 3-1/2 games ahead of the Giants in the wild-card race and 4-1/2 in front of surging Atlanta.
Tonight, manager Jim Tracy is sticking with the lineup that produced the Rockies’ best baseball earlier this season. Tracy has Clint Barmes back at second base and Ian Stewart starting at third.
Here are the lineups for tonight’s game:
Rockies:
CF Carlos Gonzalez
LF Seth Smith
1B Todd Helton
SS Troy Tulowitzki
RF Brad Hawpe
C Yorvit Torrealba
3B Ian Stewart
2B Clint Barmes
RHP Jason Marquis
Diamondbacks
CF Chris Young
SS Stephen Drew
RF Justin Upton
C Miguel Montero
3B Mark Reynolds
LF Gerardo Parra
2B Ryan Roberts
1B Brandon Allen
RHP Kevin Mulvey
Patrick Saunders: 303-954-1428 or psaunders@denverpost.com
