Rockies right-hander Christian Bergman. (Denver Post file photo)
Christian Bergman, who pitched into the late days of spring training as a candidate for the Rockies starting rotation, will return soon to Coors Field. But still not as a starter.
Bergman, who’s been out since June 29 with right shoulder inflammation, will start a minor-league rehab assignment Tuesday at Triple-A Albuquerque. He’ll get two rehab outings: the first at three innings or 45 pitches; the second at four innings or 60 pitches.
Aaron Laffey is Albuquerque’s scheduled starter Tuesday. The Rockies still need a starter to pitch that day against the Cubs in Chicago. Colorado manager Walt Weiss said he’s not ready to announce that arm.
Bergman, though, will return to a reliever role when he returns to Colorado.
“I see him going back to the bullpen,” Weiss said. “There may be opportunities to start here and there, when we need a spot start.”
Bergman on Saturday threw a 35-pitch bullpen session to live hitters.
“I felt good. I made sure to mix some curve balls in. I was getting a feel for everything,” Bergman said.
He threw fastballs at a regular velocity with no pain, Bergman said.
“I was letting them go with no problem,” he said. “I was getting it up there pretty good. I was monitoring it though because it was kinda rapid fire. That’s a little different than a game. At the same time, you have a little bit of adrenaline with a hitter.”
Tags: Aaron Laffey, Christian Bergman, reliever, Triple-A
