SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Jamie Moyer has so much experience and self-confidence, he’s able to joke about his remarkable comeback.
“I’ve looked at my whole career as a spring training invitation,” the 49-year-old left-hander said.
If he keeps pitching as he did Sunday, the Rockies’ invitation will land him a spot in the starting rotation. Moyer started against the White Sox and pitched three impressive innings. His 67 mph curveball and low-80s fastball confounded the White Sox. He needed just seven pitches in the first inning and six in the second inning. He allowed one run and three hits and struck out two.
“If I could script it, today would be my kind of day,” Moyer said.
Bettis injury. Chad Bettis, one of the Rockies’ most promising pitching prospects, was removed from Sunday’s game against the Brewers after one inning with triceps tightness. He pitched a scoreless fourth in relief of starter Alex White. Bettis was scheduled to pitch three innings. He told The Denver Post that he didn’t think the injury was serious.
White’s pitch. White showed something that Rockies fans never saw last September: a nasty slider. He struck out reigning National League MVP Ryan Braun on a full count to end the third inning. White couldn’t get much break or grip on his slider following a flexor tendon injury in his right middle finger. “Absolutely, that’s a pitch I have and need. I have confidence in it in big situations,” he said.
Left to wait. The Rockies’ best pitcher can only exercise patience. Jorge De La Rosa will begin throwing 50-pitch side sessions this week, with live batting practice in the middle of March.
“I need to face some hitters. I can’t wait,” De La Rosa said.
Pitching coach Bob Apodaca predicted that July is a likely time for De La Rosa’s return.
Rockies recap
Rockies 5, White Sox 2
At Salt River Fields
Brewers 5, Rockies 4
At Maryvale Ballpark
Hits: Catcher Ramon Hernandez showed off his defense — again — against the White Sox. In the third inning, he threw out pinch-runner Andy Wilkins trying to steal second base. It wasn’t even close. In the fifth, he threw out Eduardo Escobar on a strikeout double play in the fifth. Hernandez is 5-for-5 getting would-be base thieves this spring. … Chris Nelson went 2-for-3 with a double and a single while playing second base and shortstop against the Brewers.
Misses: Third baseman Casey Blake is still searching for his swing. He went 0-for-3 against the White Sox and is 0-for-9 this spring. … The Brewers’ three-run seventh inning included throwing errors by Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado and right fielder Jamie Hoffman, a wild throw by catcher Wilin Rosario and a wild pitch.
What’s next: The Rockies host the Padres at Salt River Fields at 1:10 p.m. today. RHP Jeremy Guthrie makes his second Cactus League start. Relievers Rafael Betancourt and Matt Reynolds are also scheduled to pitch.
