The Colorado Rockies have exceeded expectations early in the season and they’re about to get a boost with the return of starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa. As reported by Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post, De La Rosa will make his season debut on Monday in the series-opener against the San Diego Padres in Denver.
De La Rosa started the season on the disabled list with a left groin strain that he suffered early in spring training. He was cautiously expected to start Tuesday’s win over the San Francisco Giants but the Rockies decided to give their top pitcher one more rehab start.
In his second rehab start with Albuquerque on Tuesday, De La Rosa allowed two earned runs (three runs total) on five hits in five innings. He struck out five, but also allowed a homerun in the fifth inning. The 34-year-old threw 76 pitches in the contest. In total, De La Rosa allowed four runs on nine hits in nine innings in his two rehab starts.
“I feel good,” De La Rosa told Saunders. “I’m ready and excited to get started.”
The veteran pitcher went 14-11 with a 4.10 ERA in 32 starts for the Rockies last season.
Nathan is a staff writer for Mile High Sports. He can be reached on Twitter at @TheRealNatron.
