Chatwood aims to return to the mound Friday

DENVER -- The Rockies starting rotation could return to full strength by Friday, when right-hander Tyler Chatwood said he hopes to return to the mound.

Chatwood tossed his first bullpen session Saturday since leaving a start against the Reds on Monday after pitching four innings with soreness in his right triceps. He is scheduled for another session Tuesday, when he will likely throw to live batters.

Barring a setback, Chatwood said he should be the Rockies' starter Friday against the Phillies at Coors Field.

"I think that's the schedule so far," Chatwood said. "So if all goes well, I think that's the day I'll be throwing."

Colorado does not have a clear starter penciled in for Thursday, so there's also a chance that he returns earlier.

After starting the year with Triple-A Colorado Springs, Chatwood has a 2.14 ERA and 3-1 record through six starts. The 23-year-old was a perfect 2-0 with a 1.53 ERA in May before picking up his first loss of the year in his lone June start against the Reds. He surrendered just one earned run in Cincinnati before leaving the game.