DENVER -- After a small scare and a three-day break, Rockies outfielder Gerardo Parra -- out with a left high-ankle sprain -- resumed his running program Thursday, and believes he could soon begin a Minor League rehab assignment.
Injured June 14, Parra ran for three straight days while the team was in Atlanta last weekend, but said he "felt something" in the ankle the final day. He did not run the last three days in Denver, but ran before Thursday's game against the Braves.
"It feels good -- maybe I can do this for three days and maybe go to a rehab assignment," Parra said.
In the first year of a three-year, $27.5 million contract, the left-handed hitting Parra has hit .263 with 27 extra-base hits and 27 RBIs. In Parra's absence, Ryan Raburn and Brandon Barnes have been playing left field when the team needs a right-handed bat, and utility man Daniel Descalso has played the position when the Rockies have wanted a lefty bat.
Qualls out of sick bay: Righty reliever Chad Qualls was available Thursday night after not throwing in a game since last Friday because of a viral illness. Qualls' 36 pitching appearances going into Thursday tied him with righty Carlos Estévez for second-most on the team. Lefty Boone Logan had pitched in a team-leading 38.
Miller takes next step: Righty reliever Justin Miller (1-1, 5.35 ERA), out with a left oblique strain, threw a 35-pitch bullpen session, which included breaking pitches, on Thursday. He'll throw a live batting practice session Saturday before joining Triple-A Albuquerque for a rehab assignment.