Bettis solid in first rehab start in Double-A

DENVER -- Chad Bettis made progress on Saturday in his return from right shoulder inflammation, delivering solid numbers in his first rehab start.

At Double-A New Britain, the Rockies right-hander tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings, yielding just two hits and two walks with four strikeouts. He threw 61 pitches, 39 of which were strikes.

A second-round pick by the Rockies in 2010, Bettis was sent to the disabled list on July 19 after experiencing discomfort during a start against San Diego the night before. It was originally feared that Bettis, who is a key part of Colorado's group of young starters, had suffered some structural damage in his pitching elbow. But a visit with doctors on July 20 revealed just inflammation.

Bettis had previously thrown a simulated game on Tuesday. He is 5-4 with a 4.88 ERA in 13 starts this season.