Chatwood to miss next start; not considered serious

CINCINNATI -- Rockies pitcher Tyler Chatwood's MRI results were exactly as expected, a slight pinch of a tissue near his right triceps tendon, which means his next start will be pushed back. But Chatwood should not miss much time.

Chatwood (3-1, 2.14 ERA) was removed from Monday's game against the Reds after four innings. The team suspects he suffered the injury while reaching across his body to throw a fastball to the glove side in a hyperextension motion, and head athletic trainer Keith Dugger said the MRI confirmed that.

"It's actually the best-case scenario for the MRI," Dugger said.

The Rockies had already scratched his usual bullpen session, which would have been Wednesday. Dugger said Chatwood is unlikely to throw on Thursday, as well. The delay in his throwing routine all but guarantees that he will not start Saturday against the Padres at Coors Field, although no official announcement regarding Chatwood or his replacement has been made.

Dugger also said the Rockies looked at the elbow area, because Chatwood, 23, had Tommy John surgery at age 16, but there are no issues.

It's possible the Rockies can activate left-hander Jeff Francis (2-3, 6.00 ERA) from the disabled list. Francis is out with a slight left groin strain, but he threw 80 pitches in a rehab start Monday for Triple-A Colorado Springs at Salt Lake City. He is scheduled to pitch again Saturday at Reno, but that could be changed.