Eyeing comeback, Betancourt to have Tommy John

DENVER -- Rafael Betancourt is determined to make a comeback.

Rockies manager Walt Weiss said he spoke with Betancourt and confirmed the reliever would have Tommy John surgery while trying to extend his career.

"He wants to try to pitch again, so I think if he's going to do that, that's probably the best course of action," Weiss said. "If he just tried to rehab and go out there, I think it's still always hanging over his head when he takes the mound that he's got a damaged ligament in his arm.

"So if he's going to try to get out there and compete again, and that's what he wants to do -- he made it clear that's what he wants to do -- he's going to go this route, and when he goes back out there he's able to take his best shot."

After finding out he had a torn ulnar collateral ligament Tuesday, Betancourt, 38, initially said he would try to rehab his right elbow through platelet-rich plasma treatment and avoid surgery. But Weiss said the change of heart came when the Rockies closer realized his career had not reached its proper conclusion.

Betancourt told the Deportes Union Radio network, a Venezuelan radio station, that he planned to see noted Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday and hoped to have the surgery in September. The Venezuelan newspaper Mi Diario first reported that Betancourt planned to surgically repair his throwing arm.

Weiss was not sure of an exact timetable for the surgery but estimated it would be two or three weeks before Betancourt had the surgery.