In Huston Street’s perfect world, he would be activated Tuesday and pitching out of the Rockies’ bullpen against the Minnesota Twins. But then, Street’s world has been far from perfect in 2010.
Street returned to Denver on Saturday from his minor- league rehab assignment in hopes of joining the Rockies. Instead, the Rockies’ brain trust decided to send him back to Triple-A for three more outings before re-evaluating him.
“Obviously, it’s frustrating because when you feel like you’re ready to go battle, you want to be let loose,” Street said. “But at the same time they need me to not battle; they need me to be ready.”
Street, whose 35 saves in 2009 earned him a three-year, $22.5 million contract, missed the Cactus League season with shoulder inflammation.
The Rockies opted to have him resume his rehab assignment after he allowed four hits and three runs in two-thirds of an inning Friday night at Las Vegas.
“It’s been 2 1/2 months and I’ve thrown four innings, really,” Street said. “So for all parties involved, for the long run and the best of the team, they think a few more innings would best serve everybody involved.
“Innings are going to help me, absolutely. Selfishly, I want those innings to be in the big leagues and to battle, but it’s probably not what’s best for the team.”
Rockies manager Jim Tracy said Street “obviously” would return to the closer role at some point, but Manuel Corpas, who has saved eight games in 10 opportunities, will stay there until Street is ready.
Said Street, “I’ll get the ninth when I deserve the ninth.”
Footnotes.
Troy Tulowitzki strained his right groin Friday night and wasn’t in the lineup Saturday. “It’s a wait-and-see type thing, just due to the conditions we’re dealing with right now and the potential softness of the field,” Tracy said. “You ask yourself the question: One day or two vs. a 15-day disabled-list situation? Without Troy Tulowitzki in our lineup, I don’t like the prospects.” . . . Tracy on Ryan Spilborghs’ two doubles and a home run Friday night: “He took as good a series of at-bats as I’ve seen him take since I was asked to manage this team. . . . Is it going to maintain itself for a period of time? Because if it does, this is a real, real nice chip to have.” . . . Spilborghs started Saturday and hit fifth. He went into the game on an 8-for-11 streak that raised his average to .277. He also was on a 7-for-11 run vs. left-handers, improving his average against lefties to .263.
