ST. LOUIS -- Right-hander Tyler Chatwood's solid one-inning simulated game on Monday may have been a precursor to a new assignment after he returns from the 10-day disabled list -- bullpen work.
Chatwood, who suffered a right calf strain after throwing 19 pitches in a start against the Mets on July 15, threw roughly 20 pitches in one inning to Alexi Amarista and Pat Valaika. He is eligible to be activated on Wednesday.
"We'll consider everything, but that's one of the considerations," manager Bud Black said. "He looked good. He was turning it loose. Good stuff."
Chatwood has struggled with control while going 6-11 with a 4.74 ERA in 19 starts. But considering he's issued 60 walks in 106 1/3 innings, the fact that his ERA isn't higher is one reason the Rockies lean toward using him in relief while he rebuilds his arm rather than sending him on a Minor League rehab assignment.
In 203 appearances with runners on base, Chatwood has held opponents to a .211 average. And although he's given up 15 homers, according to Statcast™ his 84.6 mph average exit velocity is fourth-lowest in the Majors for a pitcher with 300 or more batted-ball events.
Chatwood, who will be a free agent at season's end, could work his way back into the starting mix. The Rockies have used as many as four rookies in their rotation, and at times have shifted pitchers' roles to slow their accumulation of innings.