GLENDALE, ariz. — It took tightness in his right gluteus to blemish Drew Pomeranz’s perfect spring. The left-hander, who appears to be a lock for the Rockies’ rotation, has not allowed a run in seven innings but exited Tuesday after 34 pitches because the muscle around his hip wouldn’t loosen up.
Manager Jim Tracy was uncertain whether Pomeranz’s next start would be pushed back.
“I am not worried about it all. I could have pitched through, but I told them it was better to be safe,” Pomeranz said. “I was kind of (upset) because I was throwing the ball so well.”
Pomeranz has felt the tightness before, but he’s always felt the tightness after games. He told pitching coach Bob Apodaca about the issue while warming up. Pomeranz said it was starting to feel better as he left the ballpark, but a visit to the training staff will determine if his schedule will be adjusted.
“He’s a better version of what we saw last September,” Tracy said. “He threw some explosive fastballs today.”
Toddling around. Todd Helton was surprised how well his back felt after playing back-to-back games for the first time this spring. He wasn’t sure how his back would respond to spring training, but has not had to make any new concessions. The veteran first baseman plans to begin getting at-bats in minor-league games to get his timing back.
“I know how I need my swing to feel. I have been working on some things that I am probably going to scrap,” Helton said.
Blake still sidelined. Veteran third baseman Casey Blake has stiffness in his neck that will keep him sidelined at least a couple more days. Blake, 38, was signed by the Rockies to anchor third base but is 0-for-9 with four strikeouts so far. Without a guaranteed contract, he must perform well to make the team.
“My neck’s still a little bit stiff, but it’s a little better,” Blake said Tuesday.
Rockies 5, Dodgers 2 on Tuesday in Cactus League play
At Camelback Ranch
Hits: Eric Young Jr. and Jonathan Herrera hit back-to-back, two-out singles in the first inning. Young has only two hits in 14 at-bats and remains trade bait. … Matt Belilse and Rex Brothers, the Rockies’ top two setup men, haven’t allowed a run in eight combined innings.
Misses: Right-hander Rob Scahill labored through three innings, allowing five hits and two runs.
On deck: Today at Rangers, 2:05 p.m.; vs. Diamondbacks, 8:05 p.m. Several of the regular position players are expected to be in the Rockies’ lineup against Texas.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
