TUCSON — The Rockies — and closer Huston Street in particular — are breathing a sigh of relief today.
An MRI on Street’s troublesome throwing shoulder came back negative, meaning there is no structural damage. However, there is still inflammation and there is no set timetable on when Street will begin throwing.
“Good news,” a relieved Street said this morning. “Everything in the shoulder is structurally sound. Now it’s just a matter of getting the shoulder back, getting some strength back and working through this as fast as we can.”
Manager Jim Tracy has said that it’s impossible to tell when Street will be ready to throw again, let alone pitch in a game situation. So there is a strong possibility that Street will open the season on the disabled list.
However, Street has a course of action mapped out for his return.
“The thought is to work through the inflammation, build up some strength, build up some endurance,” Street said after undergoing the third MRI of his career. “Barring any setback, it should be a really smooth process.”
The Rockies open the regular season on April 5 in Milwaukee, but Street has no calendar in mind.
“There is no goal date to get back,” he said. “I just want to get back as quick as we possibly can.”
Although the Rockies were confident that Street’s arm was sound, Street admitted he was anxious waiting for the MRI results.
“Was I nervous? Well, there is a reason they are doing it,” Street said. “Anytime it’s your arm you are nervous.”
With Street out, the contingency plan could be using Franklin Morales as the closer.
Meanwhile, setup man Rafael Betancourt (stiff shoulder) is scheduled to pitch to Rockies minor leaguers on Saturday. That would be a test before his first Cactus League game.
Jim Armstrong: 303-954-1269 or jarmstrong@denverpost.com
