SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — David Hale pitched well enough to be in the mix for a Rockies starting rotation spot to open the season. But a swing of the bat in practice ruined that chance.
Hale was scratched from a Thursday start in the Cactus League because of a strained oblique muscle. He will rest, with no baseball activity, for 2-3 days, then ease back into his preseason pitching program.
“This is the worst possible time to have it happen,” Hale said.
Hale allowed five hits and one run Saturday against Cleveland. But he was encouraged by his outing, he said, with improved command and a working changeup.
But he extended too far on a pitch, he said. Then on Sunday, during batting practice, he felt a twinge in his side on a swing.
“I have to do nothing to let it heal up,” he said.
Even if Hale’s injury sets him back just a week, it’s unlikely he’ll be ready for the start of the season.
That leaves Jon Gray, Christian Bergman and Eddie Butler competing for one or two open rotation spots. The Rockies need to replace Jhoulys Chacin, who was released Sunday, and may need to replace Jorge De La Rosa, who’s recovering from a strained groin.
Nick Groke: ngroke@denverpost.com or
