PEORIA — Different is an insult. Jorge De La Rosa bears little resemblance to the pitcher he was last spring.
“Night and day. Clark Kent and Superman,” said pitching coach Bob Apodaca.
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 be 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, his hometown. That’s not the first time he’s helped the Rockies in Mexico. Turns out he said he was a bat boy for the Rockies during one of their previous games.
“They just picked me. I remember focusing on running fast to get the bats,” De La Rosa said. “I still have the (helmet) from that day.”
Footnotes
Right fielder Brad Hawpe (ingrown toenail) ran on a treadmill Monday. He plans to run again Tuesday, with the goal to play him in a game Wednesday or Thursday.
… Reliever Matt Belisle is fighting forearm soreness, an injury he overcame last season.
… Todd Helton and Jason Giambi are on schedule to make their spring debuts later this week in Tucson.
… Rockies closer Huston Street said Monday his sore right shoulder “felt good” a day after his light bullpen session. He’s schedule to throw another session Tuesday and be re-evaluated. No timetable has been set for his first game appearance.
… Reliever Rafael Betancourt did not play catch Monday because of the wet field conditions at Hi Corbett Field, but is improving.
… Infielder Omar Quintanilla was hit in the right triceps Monday with a Heath Bell fastball. “I am going to feel it tomorrow,” he said.
… Reliever Matt Daley on the two balks called against him. “I didn’t have any last season. And I don’t what I did on the first one,” he said.
… Boxing legend Muhammad Ali met with Padres’ players before Monday’s game, leaving players admittedly star-struck.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
