Weiss wants De La Rosa to relax on the mound

SAN FRANCISCO -- Rockies manager Walt Weiss said left-handed pitcher Jorge De La Rosa has fallen into bad habits, which have led to an 0-2 record and 9.69 ERA in his first three starts. But at least De La Rosa doesn't have to overcome health issues.

In 2013, De La Rosa was coming off a long rehab from left elbow surgery and didn't regain his top velocity until late in the season. He still finished 16-6 with a 3.49 ERA. Early this season, he is reaching 95 mph with his fastball. Weiss believes De La Rosa at times feels so healthy that he overdoes it in key situations.

"Last year, he was real good at pitching through that traffic," Weiss said. "I think he's trying to turn it up a notch, and that's when you start to see him overthrow a little bit. It's not from a lack of focus. He just starts to red-line when he doesn't really have to when he gets traffic out there.

"I'm not sure what's going through his mind, but he is healthy. He popped a few 95's [mph]. His arm is feeling good and that could be a factor. But he can get back to what he was a year ago if he can stay in good counts as opposed to overthrowing."

Because of De La Rosa's health and talent, Weiss believes he can surmount his issues.

"Because of his stuff, he's shown at times he can dominate in this league," Weiss said. "At the end of the day, he's got to be able to relax in those situations and make pitches."