Rockies right-hander Chad Bettis made the next step in his return to a Major League mound, pitching two innings for Double-A Hartford in a Minor League rehab start Thursday. Bettis is working his way back from testicular cancer.
Bettis struck out three and allowed one unearned run in two no-hit innings against Trenton, the Yankees' Double-A affiliate. He made 31 pitches (19 strikes) and faced eight batters.

It was the first rehab start for Bettis, who has progressed from a simulated game and three bullpen sessions earlier this month.
Bettis was charged with an unearned run in the first inning. Yankees No. 4 prospect Jorge Mateo reached on an error, then stole second base. With one out, New York's No. 29 prospect Thairo Estrada reached on a fielder's choice, with Mateo taking third. Bettis then allowed a sacrifice fly before a strikeout ended the frame.
Bettis retired the side in order in the second inning, striking out two and inducing a grounder to second.
In the first inning, Bettis retired Yankees All-Star second baseman Starlin Castro on a liner to third. Castro also began a rehab assignment Thursday.
Bettis has not pitched for the Rockies this season and is on the 60-day disabled list.