Betancourt to ease into spring pitching schedule

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rockies closer Rafael Betancourt said Wednesday he is taking his time getting ready for the regular season, so his not being included on the early Spring Training pitching schedule is no cause for concern.

The Rockies posted their schedule for their intrasquad game Friday and the first six Cactus League contests without their closer being listed. Betancourt, who turns 38 on April 29, earned 31 saves last season -- his first full season as a fulltime closer.

"There's no reason for me to pitch on Saturday or Sunday, and [still am] going to be here for five weeks after that," Betancourt said. "I'm going to try to get in 10-12 innings down here in Spring Training, and there's plenty of time for that. I just want to get ready for the season."