TUCSON — Issues with consistency and injury have forced the Rockies to look at contingency plans in their bullpen. On the same day that Huston Street showed progress, Rafael Betancourt remains in a race against the calendar, and Manuel Corpas was shelled by the Giants.
“When you talk about a slow start, something that has happened around here, one of the keys is taking the best 25 guys to Milwaukee,” manager Jim Tracy said. “It’s going to be interesting to see how the bullpen plays out.”
Street, who converted 35-of-37 saves last season, will throw in a simulated game Monday following a successful 20-pitch batting practice session Friday. He’s on track to make his Cactus League debut mid-to-late next week.
“I was hitting spots and getting good life on the ball,” Street said. “It was by far the heaviest workload and by the far the best results.”
Betancourt threw fastballs and changeups in a normal bullpen session but remains at least a week behind Street. He wants to pitch in a game next week, but pitching coach Bob Apodaca ruled that out Friday.
“We aren’t going to rush him,” said Apodaca, who will have Matt Daley (arm tightness) back today and Matt Belisle (forearm) in a game Sunday.
If only health was Corpas’ sole problem. He is fighting mechanical issues that have spoiled his command and have created questions whether he’ll make the opening-day roster. The Giants belted him for four runs on three doubles and a triple, and Corpas faced only one player, Nate Schierholtz, a projected starter.
“I am not going to lie, my sinker wasn’t very good. I rushed and flew open, and it made everything flat,” said Corpas, who has given up seven hits and walked three in 4 1/3 innings. “It wasn’t good. I am looking forward to Sunday.”
Tracy admitted he needs to see better results and more consistency from Corpas.
Celebrating Dante.
The Rockies will honor Dante Bichette on April 26, marking the 15-year anniversary of his christening of Coors Field with a walkoff home run. Bichette hit .316 with 201 home runs as a Rockie.
Great Giambino.
Tracy plans to play Giambi and Todd Helton, who debuts Sunday, every other day leading into the season. “Sitting here today, I do think there will be enough (regular-season) at-bats to keep Giambi fresh and give Todd rest,” Tracy said.
Footnotes.
Left-hander Jimmy Gobble (left groin strain) won’t pitch for a few days. . . . Vinny Castilla and Jorge De La Rosa — watching, not pitching — will be the feature attractions during the Rockies’ game Sunday in Mexico. . . . The Rockies have been outscored 30-7 during their three-game losing streak.
