Sharpening location next on Chatwood's agenda

PHOENIX -- The next step for Rockies right-hander Tyler Chatwood is sharpness. Thursday night's performance against the Athletics illustrated the point.

Chatwood had a lively fastball but not always where he wanted it. The result was three mixed innings -- three runs (two earned) on three hits, with three walks and two strikeouts.

"I wasn't in the zone as consistent as I wanted to be, but my misses were right there, so it was close," Chatwood said. "I've just got to tighten it up a little bit."

The next turn will be Chatwood's first on normal four days' rest, so he expects to be more at game consistency.

"I threw some good curveballs, but they must have seen it out of my hand," Chatwood said. "I threw some good sliders and two changeups that were good. There are still things I've got to sharpen up a little but I felt good overall."

Chatwood has a 2.35 ERA through three Cactus League starts.