Chacin moving steadily forward in shoulder recovery

MESA, Ariz. -- Rockies right-hander Jhoulys Chacin is happy with his progress in his return from right shoulder strain and inflammation.

Chacin threw at 90 feet Monday and will move to 120 feet Wednesday.

"If I start feeling good, I'll keep moving [back]," Chacin said. "The good thing is I'm feeling good. My ball is coming out good. Everything feels fine, I feel strong. I'm very happy everything is working out."

The Rockies shut Chacin down without having thrown a bullpen session this spring. It turned out Chacin's shoulder began hurting when he tried to throw off a mound before Spring Training. While he is improving, it's almost a certainty he will begin the regular season on the 15-day disabled list.

"I'm thinking about the long term, not rushing and getting set back," Chacin said.