Colorado Rockies pitching news: Stephenson back, Lambert progressing

The Colorado Rockies welcome back Robert Stephenson to the bullpen while starting pitcher Peter Lambert takes another step back from Tommy John surgery.

Here is the latest pitching news from the Colorado Rockies.

Before the Rockies continued their series with the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday afternoon at Coors Field, Colorado activated Stephenson from the 10-day injured list. The right-hander went on the IL with upper back tightness on June 28 and had appeared in 27 games before the injury, striking out 27 in 23.2 innings and racking up a 4.56 ERA.

Stephenson, acquired in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds in the offseason, allowed just one hit in five innings of work in his June appearances, with batters hitting .071 against him in the month. However, he walked seven while striking out six.

To make room for Stephenson, the Rockies optioned right-handed pitcher Antonio Santos to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Just before the Stephenson news was announced, Lambert took the mound at 20th and Blake, throwing two simulated 20-pitch innings.

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Black did add that he believed Lambert would “definitely be in a game this year if he continues at this rate, which we think he will.” Black added that would likely be in September, if all goes well.

Next steps for Lambert are another simulated outing, then assessing things from there.

Finally, Black said that Colorado starter Kyle Freeland was still sore after taking a line drive to his left foot in Tuesday’s outing. The contusion forced him from the game after five innings and Black said it was still too soon to see if Freeland would make his next scheduled start.