Fowler hopeful to return to Rockies on Thursday

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Center fielder Dexter Fowler emerged from the indoor batting cage at Colorado Springs on Tuesday and delivered good news for the Rockies.

"I'm playing Thursday," he said.

Fowler went 0-for-3 with a pair of walks and a stolen base in his second and final rehab start for the Sky Sox Tuesday, departing after playing eight innings. He struck out swinging and twice bit at the first pitch he saw, both resulting in routine outs.

Fowler is eligible to return from the 15-day disabled list from a right hand injury for Thursday's opener of the final series before the All-Star break at Dodger Stadium. If no problems arise on Tuesday night, when he is scheduled for nine innings in a rehab game at Triple-A Colorado Springs, he will fly Wednesday to the West coast. He went 0-for-3 Monday in his first rehab game.

"I felt fine out there," Fowler said. "On the swings I took, it felt good."

Fowler said he was sore Tuesday morning, but felt better as the day progressed. He plans to fly to join the Rockies on Wednesday.