Dickerson close to playing extended spring games

DENVER -- Rockies outfielder Corey Dickerson could be headed to the team's training complex in Scottsdale, Ariz., as early as Sunday to play in extended spring training games and complete his recovery from left foot plantar fasciitis, manager Walt Weiss said Saturday.

Dickerson batted .306 with five home runs and 16 RBIs through May 16 before going on the 15-day disabled list. He was eligible to return Tuesday, but has just begun running this week.

Sending Dickerson to Scottsdale gives him a chance at more dependable weather. The near-daily rains in Colorado often mean Dickerson can't do his running on the field, and rob him of regular batting practice. In recent seasons, the Rockies have had players get at-bats at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, rather than join a Minor League team for rehab.

"He could play down there a couple of days and see what that looks like, get in a few games," Weiss said.

• Weiss has pushed right-hander Chad Bettis' next start from Monday to Wednesday. Bettis will still face the Cardinals. With the Rockies having begun a stretch of 17 straight days of scheduled games, Weiss has worked extra days of rest for the rotation members.

The Rockies are expected to recall right-hander David Hale (1-0, 4.26 ERA in two games) from Triple-A Albuquerque to start Monday. Hale started and earned a win Tuesday against the Dodgers (six innings, seven hits and four earned runs).

• Lefty reliever Ken Roberts, who had a 5.00 ERA in eight games before suffering left elbow inflammation, has been throwing at 120 feet and is "closing in" on a rehab assignment, Weiss said.