Closer Betancourt set to come off DL on Friday

DENVER -- Rafael Betancourt expects to be back in uniform as the Rockies' closer Friday after a stint on the disabled list.

The Rockies placed Betancourt on the 15-day DL on June 1 with a groin injury, and through his absence he has held onto his closer's role. Rex Brothers became Colorado's default closer when Betancourt was out, extending his scoreless-innings streak to 29 innings and converting three save opportunities.

Betancourt has pitched through injuries all year and nearly landed on the DL with the same injury in mid-May, but tried to pitch through the pain.

"I'm glad the time it took worked," Betancourt said.

The seasoned closer should provide an immediate boost to a bullpen that has been relied upon heavily despite dealing with several injuries. Betancourt has a 3.20 ERA and 11 saves, picking up his third loss in his last appearance on May 31.

But Betancourt is hesitant to say his return will have a dramatic impact on a team reeling after winning only two games during a nine-game road trip.

"I don't like to say, 'Because I'm back now, we [will get much better]," Betancourt said. "It's everybody there and the whole team. That's how it is. You're never going to win with one guy. That's never going to happen."