Betancourt recovering; no timetable for return

DENVER -- Rockies closer Rafael Betancourt is on the road to recovery from an emergency appendectomy eight days ago.

Betancourt was placed on the 15-day disabled list on July 19, but Rockies manager Walt Weiss isn't sure when he'll be ready to pitch.

"We're just waiting for Rafy to heal up," Weiss said. "He's been sore, and he's trying to get back to full strength.

"But it's going to be a little while -- don't know exactly how long. But he's just trying to get healthy again, get his strength back."

Left-handed reliever Rex Brothers took over closer duties in Betancourt's absence, though he's had few chances to pitch due to the Rockies' recent woes. Brothers has converted both of his save opportunities since Betancourt went down, despite allowing a run in a 4-3 victory over the Cubs on Sunday.