Oswalt sharp on journey back to Majors

CHICAGO -- Veteran right-hander Roy Oswalt's fastball and his overall pitch mix was better in his second extended spring training outing on Tuesday than it was in his first. If all goes well in his next outing on Saturday, Oswalt likely will join Double-A Tulsa as he works his way toward a return to the Majors.

Oswalt threw 64 pitches over four innings Tuesday, and is scheduled for five innings and 75 pitches on Saturday.

"He had a better fastball, and his stuff was better, also," said Rockies pitching coach Jim Wright, who had not spoken to Oswalt, but received a report on the outing.

Oswalt, a three-time All-Star, signed with the Rockies on May 3.