DENVER -- Rockies right-handed relief pitcher Chad Qualls felt normal during a 20-to-25-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and expects to be ready by June 28 -- when he is eligible to return from the 10-day disabled list.
After his last appearance, one run in one-third of an inning against the Giants on Thursday night, Qualls' back tightened.
"You're kind of helpless, waiting for a couple of days for the pain to subside and the pain to go away; you can't even roll over in bed," said Qualls, who was replaced on the active roster by righty Carlos Estevez.
Qualls' bullpen session consisted of sinkers and sliders -- what he would do in the bullpen before entering a game. His follow-through was a little strange, which to him means he's healthy.
"My right leg has a leg kick -- I look funny out there -- and when my leg kicks, I feel fine," Qualls said.
Manager Bud Black said if Qualls is healthy, the team will make a decision when he is eligible.
• Outfielder Gerardo Parra, who suffered a right quadriceps strain June 6, took batting practice on the field Wednesday and is moving toward a return. Black said there is no timetable for the return of Parra, who was hitting .318 with six homers and 28 RBIs in 49 games before the injury.