SAN DIEGO -- Rockies right-handed pitcher Chad Bettis, who has battled testicular cancer since late November, said Friday he plans to take his comeback to a new level next week when he joins the team at Coors Field for workouts.
"I got my [chemotherapy] port out and will be joining the team when they come back from San Diego," Bettis said. "I'm doing great."
The surgery to remove the port took place Wednesday, after the results of blood tests and CT scans in previous days gave doctors confidence to do so.
Bettis, 28, who went 14-8 with a 4.79 ERA last year while establishing himself as a key member of the rotation, was diagnosed during the offseason and underwent surgery to remove a testicle Nov. 29. Initial blood markers showed the cancer undetectable and he began Spring Training as normal, but it was discovered that cancer had spread to his lymph nodes.
Even while undergoing chemotherapy, Bettis stayed in shape. He requested the port through which medicine was administered be installed beneath his left clavicle so he could throw between treatments. He has been playing catch, but has not thrown off a mound.
Bettis hopes to return to the Majors this season, but there is no specific timetable.