Colorado Rockies: Chad Bettis scheduled for Double-A rehab start

Chad Bettis took another step toward returning to the Colorado Rockies rotation on Friday afternoon at Coors Field. We also now know where Bettis will be making his first appearance on a mound in a live game since spring training.

After throwing his second live bullpen session at Coors Field before the Rockies took on the Chicago White Sox in the opener of a three-game series, Colorado manager Bud Black announced that Bettis would be starting for the Double-A Hartford Yard Goats on Thursday, July 13 in Hartford.

"“Other than spring training, this is the next best scenario will get a pitcher or player ready for the Major Leagues is to go on a minor league assignment,” Black told Rox Pile and other members of the media on Friday. “It’s an opportunity for him to start his progression as a Major League starting pitcher. We felt Double-A was the best option.”"

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Bettis was diagnosed with testicular cancer in the offseason but returned from surgery for spring training. He made one start for the Rockies in Cactus League play before it was discovered that the cancer had spread. He missed the rest of spring training and the first part of the regular season undergoing chemotherapy.

Bettis returned to the Rockies in early June and proclaimed he hoped to be pitching again for the Rockies before the All-Star break. While he might not take the mound this weekend against the White Sox, Bettis has been focused on getting back and itching for live game action, Black said.

"“He’s been pretty level-headed about this whole rehab and how he’s been treating it,” Black said, who also added Bettis was pitching in the 90s during the bullpen session. “He was excited. He didn’t do anything extraordinary but you could tell he was ready for this.”"

After the bullpen session, Bettis said he was pleased with how it went.

"“I felt good. I felt strong. It was a good step,” Bettis told Rox Pile and other reporters. “I was able to locate pitches much better today. With my curveball and even mixed in some of my cutter, I was pretty happy with how today went.”"

If you think Bettis isn’t competitive, even in bullpen sessions, you’re wrong. The 28-year-old right-hander let out a quick emotional burst after striking out Pat Valaika to end the session. Valaika had hit a homer off Bettis in his previous bullpen session.

"“He got me last time so he was due for a punchie so I needed to get my ticket,” Bettis smiled."

Next: Charlie Blackmon's historical start to the 2017 season

In four seasons with the Rockies, Bettis owns a 23-19 mark and 5.01 ERA in 89 appearances (60 starts). Last season was the best of his career, posting an 8-6 record and 4.23 ERA. He also pitched the finest game of his career in a complete game two-hitter against the San Francisco Giants on September 5.

Chad Bettis took another step toward returning to the Colorado Rockies rotation on Friday afternoon at Coors Field. We also now know where Bettis will be making his first appearance on a mound in a live game since spring training.

More from Rox Pile

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