Stubbs recovering after flareup of condition

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rockies center fielder Drew Stubbs did not play in Thursday's intrasquad game and was not in the lineup for Friday's Cactus League opener against the D-backs because of a flareup of an esophagus condition.

But Stubbs, who was acquired from the Indians in a trade for reliever Josh Outman and is being considered a major part of the picture at center field, said Friday he felt better and could play if needed.

Stubbs, 29, is afflicted by eosinophilic esophagitis, symptoms of which include heartburn, food being trapped and difficulty swallowing. On Wednesday night, Stubbs needed to be treated at a hospital, but he has since been been regaining the ability to eat and drink, and he is building his strength.

"It's really random," Stubbs said. "That's the first time it's happened in several months. It's definitely not a common occurrence, but it's happened several times in the past.

"It happens at random times with random foods. I wish I knew how to pinpoint what caused it, but at this point I don't."