SCOTTSDALE — First, he was weak. Now, he’s hurt. This isn’t how Rafael Betancourt envisioned spring training going when arrived in Tucson two weeks ago.
The right-hander told The Denver Post Friday that he is suffering from shoulder tightness, further delaying his Cactus League debut.”
“It’s not real good,” Betancourt said. “My shoulder doesn’t feel right. It’s tight. It’s tough because I want to get out there.”
Betancourt, the club’s top setup man, estimated that he only needs two weeks to get ready for the April 5 opener at Milwaukee. He was already slightly behind schedule because of the 10 pounds he lost prior to spring training because of an extended illness this winter. Rather than throw live BP Friday, the 34-year-old iced his arm and hopes to play catch today.”
“I was trying to rush everything to get ready. Usually, I don’t workout and throw (at the same time) before the season,” said the 34-year-old Betancourt. “The good news is that I have thrown two bullpens and three live BPs, so it’s not like I am starting from scratch.”
The Rockies are already without closer Huston Street, who is suffering though a similar injury. Street has been playing catch on flat ground and is scheduled to throw lightly off the mound Sunday.
Late start for Jimenez
It’s long been accepted practice that players can drive themselves to Phoenix if they receive permission. It backfired Friday on Ubaldo Jimenez.
He left later than the team bus to Tempe, and got snarled in the traffic jam on Interstate 10, which was closed due to a multiple-fatality accident Friday morning.
Jimenez entered in the fourth inning against the Angels, striking out the side. But his command suffered in the fifth as he allowed four runs on three singles and two walks.
Greg Smith started in Jimenez’s place, working two scoreless innings. He’s becoming an interesting story this spring as he looks like a completely different pitcher after gaining weight and healing his back and shoulder.
Footnotes
Center fielder Dexter Fowler told the trainers he was ready to play Friday, but they decided it would be better to give him one more day of workouts following his bout with a stomach bug. Said Fowler, “I wanted to be out there. But I should play (today). I am ready to go,” Fowler said. Outfielder Seth Smith was hit in the right knee with a pitch, but said he was fine. Dodger fans made their annual march through Scottsdale Stadium, 30 revelers decked out in blue and waving a L.A. banner to a chorus of boos.
