Oswalt hopes to return to Rockies rotation soon

SAN DIEGO -- Rockies right-hander Roy Oswalt, who sustained a left hamstring strain on Sunday, said he hopes to return soon after the All-Star break.

Oswalt sustained in the injury covering the plate after a wild pitch in the second inning of Sunday's loss at Arizona and was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Monday. The team announced that Oswalt will return to Denver for an MRI. Oswalt hopes the extra time off for the All-Star break will make his absence minimal.

"It feels better than it did, but I don't feel great," said Oswalt, who received treatment, performed light exercise on the stationary bike and fitness machines Tuesday, and did some throwing in an effort to keep his arm in shape for when he is cleared to begin pitching. "The good thing is we do have the All-Star break, so that's four days I won't miss.

"I'm hoping to miss two starts at the most and be ready to go."

Oswalt signed with the Rockies in May with the hope of bringing experience and quality to the rotation. Oswalt returned with a lively fastball, but wasn't sharp with his off-speed stuff or consistent with his location. He said his pitch mix seemed on the mark Sunday, before he was injured. He is 0-4 with a 7.64 ERA in four starts.