PEORIA, Ariz. — Different is an insult. Jorge De La Rosa bears zero resemblance to the pitcher he was last spring.
“Night and day. Clark Kent and Superman,” pitching coach Bob Apodaca said.
Apodaca was rushing to beat Phoenix traffic. He certainly didn’t see any when De La Rosa pitched Monday. Extending his scoreless streak to five innings, De La Rosa mauled the Padres in the Rockies’ 5-4 victory at Peoria Stadium.
“He had pitches that were unhittable,” manager Jim Tracy said of the three-inning outing.
A year ago, that was unthinkable. De La Rosa, who will turn 29 on opening day, was a mechanical mess. He worked patiently with Apodaca, whom he credits for his career revival, and the changes clicked in June. The left-hander won 16 games from that point and, after missing the playoffs with a strained groin, has enjoyed a seamless transition this month.
“Before, I would jump in my delivery. I did that today, but I could feel it and fix it. It’s different. I have a lot more confidence,” De La Rosa said. “I don’t get all mad and start throwing balls and stuff. (Apodaca) has helped a lot because he always believed in me.”
De La Rosa believes a lighter body could produce even more victories. Down to 213 pounds from 231, the left-hander still feels strong.
“My arm has more whip. And my legs are good,” De La Rosa said.
He’s scheduled to pitch again Friday and will accompany the Rockies on their Sunday trip to Hermosillo, Mexico, his hometown.
Rx files.
Right fielder Brad Hawpe (ingrown toenail) ran on a treadmill. He plans to run again today, with the goal of playing Wednesday or Thursday.
• Reliever Matt Belisle is fighting forearm soreness, an injury he overcame last season.
• Rockies closer Huston Street said his sore right shoulder “felt good” a day after his light bullpen session. He’s scheduled to throw another session today and be re-evaluated.
• Reliever Rafael Betancourt (right shoulder) is improving but did not play catch because of the wet field conditions at Hi Corbett Field.
Footnotes.
Infielder Omar Quintanilla was hit in the right triceps with a Heath Bell fastball. “I am going to feel it tomorrow,” Quintanilla said. . . . Reliever Matt Daley, on the two balks called against him: “I didn’t have any last season. And I don’t know what I did on the first one.” . . . Boxing legend Muhammad Ali met with the Padres before Monday’s game, leaving players admittedly star-struck.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
Rockies 5, Padres 4
At Peoria Stadium
Hits: Catcher Miguel Olivo came to camp in terrific shape after working out daily in his home gym. He is batting .600 (6-for-10) after getting three hits, including a first-pitch home run to center field. Using his longer stride, Troy Tulowitzki posted a hustle double in the three-run sixth, narrowly beating the throw. Tulo- witzki struck the ball sharply three times, lining to right in the only at-bat he was retired.
Misses: Eric Young Jr. left four runners in scoring position in his second and third at-bats. . . . Hector Gomez, a shortstop by trade, muffed a chance at third base after entering in the middle of the game. . . . Reliever Matt Daley walked a batter, balked twice (called by umpire “Balkin’ ” Bob Davidson) and gave up a two-run double to Chad Huffman after a lengthy at-bat and an RBI single to Matt Antonelli.
What’s next: Rockies vs. Dodgers, 1:05 p.m., Glendale Camelback Ranch Stadium. Rockies’ Ubaldo Jimenez vs. Dodgers’ Hiroki Kuroda.
