Colorado Rockies: 3 Things You Should Know on March 21

Monday is in the books, and there were no additional injuries to the Colorado Rockies. Those two alone are good enough, but today’s first story brings even more hope back to the clubhouse after a tough stretch.

#TogetherForBettis

Chad Bettis has faced a tough battle this offseason, but the Colorado Rockies are determined to prove he is not alone in his battle. On their official Twitter page, the Rockies started a new trend featuring #TogetherForBettis, and encouraged fellow baseball fans and players alike to show support to Bettis. The string of tweets can be found here, and we encourage you to show some love as well!

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Bettis announced his battle with testicular cancer earlier this offseason, but had steadily recovered and believed to be free of the cancer. However, it was recently discovered that the cancer had spread and Bettis would have to be more aggressive in fighting the disease.

Bettis began chemotherapy this week and will continue to undergo treatment until he is medically cleared of all signs of the cancer. He has also expressed a desire to get back to the team and pitch in games as soon as this season. In the meantime, everyone at Rox Pile wishes Chad the best in his continued fight.

David Dahl Injury Update

David Dahl has been sidelined for a few weeks with a rib injury. Recent MRI results showed he is still over a week away from returning to regular baseball activity. In this article, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post takes a look at Dahl’s injury, and provides a bit of a timetable to his return.

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Dahl’s injury is less severe than originally expected, but the young outfielder is still expected to miss the beginning of the season. Even though it is a minor injury, it only adds to the frustrating Spring Training for Rockies players battling injury.

Until Dahl returns to action, veteran Gerardo Parra is expected to split time in the outfield with whomever it is the Rockies carry on the Opening Day roster. Jordan Patterson, Stephen Cardullo, and Chris Denorfia are vying for the utility outfield position in Spring Training.

Antonio Senzatela’s Motivation

In a touching piece from the Denver Post, Nick Groke details the heartbreak suffered by young Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela when his mother passed away last year. Senzatela talks about the way he found out his mother was sick, and how he remembers her every day.

Senzatela is enjoying a breakout Spring Training performance and could very well be in line for a spot in the Opening Day rotation for the Rockies. It would be a surprise to see him in the majors on Opening Day given the fact he has not played a game in Triple-A, but fellow prospect Jeff Hoffman has not impressed this spring and may be on the outside looking in this time around.

Next: Rockies in the World Baseball Classic

With just two weeks to go before the season starts, Senzatela will continue to pitch for the opportunity to earn the spot in the final rotation.