Colorado Rockies Morning After: ‘Good’ and ‘Strong’ Chad Bettis Rejoins Teammates

Absolutely, the Colorado Rockies were looking to get the upper hand on the Arizona Diamondbacks as their three-game series opened at Chase Field on Friday night. Yes, they walked away with a big 3-1 win and grabbed first place in the National League West. However, there was something else about being in Arizona that was important to the Rockies.

"“We were in a coach’s meeting when we heard a knock on the door. And, there’s Chad,” Colorado manager Bud Black smiled. “Great to see him and happy he’s doing well. He’ll be here this weekend, sitting in the dugout and being with the guys.“Personally, I have not spoken to him all that often. I know the guys are fired up to see him.”"

Yes, Chad Bettis rejoined his teammates for the first night of the Arizona series. Going through chemotheraphy in Arizona after word that his cancer had returned in March, Bettis reveled at the chance to be a part of the team again.

"“It’s been unbelievable. This has been great,” Bettis told reporters on Friday. “To walk in through those doors and the first question is how are you doing and how is the baby. It’s been great.”"

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A lot has changed since Bettis made his one 2017 appearance in a spring training matchup against Milwaukee on March 5. The 28-year-old right-hander was not only re-diagnosed with cancer and told he had to undergo chemotherapy, but he also became a dad for the first time.

However, for one night, all of that was not the focal point but the side story. Bettis was back with his teammates, including throwing the baseball around before Friday night’s game began.

"“I can’t put it into words, it’s been great. I’ve been throwing on the back end of the cycles where it’s Tuesdays only and I get out to 75 feet,” Bettis said. “I feel good, I feel strong and I’m just waiting to be done so I can move forward.”Bettis told reporters, “I’ve got seven days of treatment left, three weeks total. I’ll be done on May 16. After that, we have to wait and see where my blood counts are at and stuff like that.”"

He still believes there is a chance he will be pitching for the Rockies this season. It’s a goal that continues to motivate him.

"“Realistically and optimistically, I don’t know. It’s all where I’m going to be at with my body and how fast we can go through everything once that port comes out,” Bettis said about his potential 2017 comeback. “Realistically yeah yeah I do, I just don’t know when that would be and that’s been the hard thing for me. That is one of my goals. It’s just wait and see.”"

Nothing made me happier than seeing @cbettis35 at the yard today. He will be rooting in dugout this weekend. pic.twitter.com/EOKJwvauWQ

— Ryan Spilborghs (@spillygoat19) April 29, 2017

Bettis said he has been with his teammates virtually, watching every Rockies game on TV.

"“I’ve watched every single one, haven’t missed one,” Bettis smiled. “Yeah, it’s something to help keep my mind off it and see how can I help these guys and the team, even when I’m sitting at home. I really haven’t missed a game and it’s been good. It’s been tough to be away from the team and the guys but the support has been unbelievable. That’s why it’s been so hard.”"

Next: Bettis Opens Up About His Cancer Battle

It’s been hard for Bettis to be away. It’s been tough on his teammates to know the battle he was undergoing. However, for one night and for one series at least, things will seem normal in the Colorado clubhouse. Bettis is back and Colorado is winning. Life is good.