Mar 7, 2016; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray (55) throws during the second inning against the Chicago Cubs at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
CHICAGO — Jon Gray is set to rejoin the Colorado Rockies this week but his first start of the season is still up in the air.
The Rockies right-handed pitcher has been on the disabled list since April 3 with an abdominal strain.
“We need to get him here in front of us and we’ll make a decision probably in the next couple of days,” said Rockies manager Walt Weiss on Sunday prior to the finale of a weekend series against the Chicago Cubs. “I think we’ll see Jon in Cincinnati.”
The Rockies open a three-game series at Great American Ballpark on Monday.
Gray pitched for Class A Modesto on Friday — his second rehab outing — allowing three unearned runs on four hits in a four-inning stint. He struck out eight and walked two and was long gone when the game was finally decided — a 12-10 Stockton victory in 17 innings.
The abdominal injury, suffered just before the Rockies broke camp, initially caused pain when Gray threw and led to minor league rehab work instead of a major league roster spot.
The third overall pick in the 2013 draft, the 24-year-old Gray made nine appearances with the Rockies in 2015, his first major league season. He went 0-2 with a 5.53 ERA over 40 2/3 innings work. He earned no decisions in his first seven starts, which tied a major league record.
Gray entered spring training as a likely candidate for the starting rotation.
The Rockies continue a six-game road trip with the three-game set beginning Monday in Cincinnati. They’ll return home on April 22 to meet the Dodgers and Pirates in a seven-game home stand.
