Colorado Rockies ace RHP Ubaldo Jimenez went on the 15-day disabled list shortly after his disastrous Opening Day start with a cuticle injury. Since the injury, Jimenez has thrown a series of “aggressive” bullpen sessions with dramatically improved results, according to the Denver Post’s Troy Renck:
It was a far different story against a group of Oakland minor-leaguers in extended spring training Wednesday. He topped out at 97 mph and sat at 94 mph with his sinking fastball. More important, he didn’t have to adjust his grip or junk any of his weapons.
He is now scheduled to be activated in time to make his second start of the season, a premier matchup against Tim Lincecum and the World Series champion San Francisco Giants, the first in a three game series.
In Jimenez’s absence, 2006 first round selection Greg Reynolds has pitched two impressive starts. He threw six innings of three hit ball against the Pittsburgh Pirates but didn’t factor into the decision. Reynolds also matched up against the New York Mets in the first game of a doubleheader.