Back shouldn't derail De La Rosa's next start

SAN FRANCISCO -- Rockies left-handed pitcher Jorge De La Rosa said he expects to make his next start, Wednesday against the Dodgers, after having to leave Friday night's start against the Giants after three innings because of lower back tightness.

De La Rosa (6-5, 4.12 ERA) said he felt discomfort when warming up before the game, an eventual 7-4 Rockies victory. It worsened during the third inning, when he gave up two runs.

"It felt like something was definitely really bad, but I came in [to the training room] and had some treatment, then I was better," De La Rosa said.

This is the second time De La Rosa has had back issues. It happened when he did some running after a May 7 start at Texas, and he had his next start pushed back several days. For the next several starts, he replaced running with work on the elliptical machine, but went back to running about two weeks ago.

"I won't be running until I feel better," he said.

The start in Texas also was when he suffered a bruised middle finger, which is an issue every time he pitches. But, like the bruised thumb he pitched with most of last season while going 16-6 with a 3.49 ERA, the problem is not debilitating. He also believes that with sensible treatment and modified work between starts, the back might actually improve.