Chacin not expected to make debut until May
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. -- Rockies right-handed pitcher Jhoulys Chacin, out with a right shoulder injury that has kept him off the mound all Spring Training, is not expected to make his regular-season debut until early May, a club official said during a Twitter and e-mail chat with fans Wednesday.
Chacin's return was reported to be after three to five starts, but the club had been careful not to announce a timeline -- partly to keep Chacin from rushing back. But Bill Geivett, the Rockies' senior vice president of Major League operations and assistant general manager, revealed the timeline during the chat.
Other revelations in the chat were that the organization's decision-makers were going to meet Wednesday to discuss the outfield competition, and the team will begin the season with seven relief pitchers but could go to eight at times.
Will Walt utilize 2 strike hitting to get more runners on base ? #RoxChat
- mark anderson (@alanandy4443) March 19, 2014.@alanandy4443 The staff has really been emphasizing two-strike hitting and everyone has been doing a really good job with it.
- Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) March 19, 2014@Rockies #RoxChat What is the status on Jhoulys Chacin?
- Brice Griebler (@BriceGriebler) March 19, 2014.@BriceGriebler He's in his throwing program now getting ready to progress to the mound for bullpens. If all goes well, ETA is early May.
- Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) March 19, 2014Tom Mesecher (Email): What are we doing to prevent injuries and improve depth on the roster? #RoxChat
- #RoxChat (@Tweet20Q) March 19, 2014.@Tweet20Q We've sought out pros from around the country. Our program is evolving but we feel we have a good plan in place for this year.
- Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) March 19, 2014Any anticipated MLB timetable for Gray/Butler? #roxchat @TylerMaun
- 102.3 ESPN (@1023ESPN) March 19, 2014.@1023ESPN @TylerMaun No particular timetable on those 2 much like any prospect in the minors. We know they are getting closer.
- Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) March 19, 2014#RoxChat Who is leading the competion for the CF job? How does the team expect to replace the production of Dexter Fowler?
- Ryan Sapp (@drummountain) March 19, 2014.@drummountain We are actually having a staff meeting later today to discuss those 4 OFers along with the rest of the club.
- Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) March 19, 2014Who is you biggest worry in the NL West. Not in Dodger blue. #RoxChat
- Ryan Cohen (@rycohen2424) March 19, 2014.@rycohen2424 Our biggest concern is how we play and how we handle the game. If we do the things we need to do we should be fine.
- Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) March 19, 2014Is there going to be a set closer or planning on using the three guys based on matchups #RoxChat
- bodog player (@bodoggrinder) March 19, 2014.@bodoggrinder Sitting today, Hawkins will start the year as closer. On occasions he'll be down for the night & Rex will be in the role.
- Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) March 19, 2014@Rockies #Rockies #RoxChat How consistent do you expect the starting rotation to be in terms of quality starts? Barring injury, of course.
- Twenty (@twenty20sight) March 19, 2014.@twenty20sight We feel very good about our rotation, especially when Chacin comes back.
- Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) March 19, 2014#RoxChat @roxWalkOff fans want to know if we start season with 7 or 8 in bullpen with 40 games in 42 days?
- Kent Gardner (@ITRrockymtnhigh) March 19, 2014.@nighttrain48 In Coors Field, LF is very spacious so we don't consider it an easy position to play. Just like any OF position.
- Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) March 19, 2014Of all the players new to the roster this season, who do you think has had the biggest impact on the club so far? #Roxchat
- Matt Skarin (@Matt_theMacaque) March 19, 2014.@Matt_theMacaque Hawkins and Morneau. We haven't started the season yet but their leadership has been very evident.
- Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) March 19, 2014