SAN DIEGO -- The D-backs will work to build injured right-hander Rubby De La Rosa's arm strength to the point where he could throw as many as 70 pitches when he returns to the team in September.
De La Rosa has been on the disabled list since May 26 with right elbow inflammation. His rehab was shut down 10 days ago when he experienced some stiffness, but after seeing team physician Gary Waslewski and consulting with noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews, De La Rosa was given the OK to resume throwing.
If De La Rosa does not experience any setbacks he should see action in September.
"I'm going to sit with [pitching coach Mike Butcher] and talk about with all the guys that we're going to have in September how we're going to work this," D-backs manager Chip Hale said. "With 70 pitches, would he start and somebody piggyback him? Or would somebody else start and he piggyback them? I think with his arm issues he'd probably be the guy that would start at this point, but we'll have to figure all that out."