LOS ANGELES -- Rockies right-hander Adam Ottavino will take the next big step in his rehab from Tommy John surgery as he begins a rehab assignment at Class A Advanced Modesto on Friday.
The 30-year-old was with the team during Tuesday's 4-3 loss in Los Angeles, but was not available before Wednesday's game.
"It's an exciting time for Otto," manager Walt Weiss said. "I'm sure it's a light at the end of the tunnel for him. It's been a long road, as the recovery from Tommy John always is. He's going to be out there in competition and it's a big deal. He's getting closer."
This comes after Ottavino threw a bullpen session on Wednesday with members of the coaching staff stepping into the batter's box. Weiss considered joining them, but ultimately sat out.
"I contemplated it, then I decided against it," Weiss said. "We had a hard time finding volunteers for that one. We were down to the coaching staff, I guess they're more expendable than our players."
Ottavino's return should help bolster a bullpen that entered Wednesday's game ranked 12th in the National League in ERA. Ottavino didn't allow a run in 10 appearances before the surgery, striking out 13 in 10 1/3 innings.