Cory

Vance

Vance will throw to hitters again on Sunday or Monday and should be ready to get into a game before the end of next week.

Vance will resume a throwing program as soon as the training staff says the inflammation has subsided. He said he has felt better each day since first taking an anti-inflammatory Sunday.

“It’s a pinching sensation,” Vance said. “The timing isn’t great, but hopefully it’s just something that will keep me out for seven to 10 days.” Vance isn’t considered a serious candidate for a spot on Colorado’s pitching staff on Opening Day, but he has made appearances for the team the last two years and probably will again this season if healthy.

Vance will take the roster spot of Shawn Chacon, but the first shot at Chacon’s rotation spot is going to Jose Jimenez. The Rockies will evaluate Vance as a reliever, but he could replace Jimenez in the rotation if that experiment fails. Vance is 9-11 with a 4.58 ERA at Colorado Springs. He won’t have any fantasy value.

Vance left his previous start due to soreness. The left-hander won’t be seeing time in the Texas bullpen any time soon.

Nelson Cruz will miss the start with a sore shoulder. He’s expected back next weekend, so the pitched called up likely will hang around for just the one appearance.

Vance finishes 1-3 with a 5.60 ERA in three starts and six relief appearances. He’s a longshot to have a rotation spot next year.

Vance had been sidelined with a sore shoulder. He’ll open the season in the minors.

Vance is the biggest name here, but it’s Huisman, who had a 1.57 ERA, 26 saves and a 46/7 K/BB ratio in 61 2/3 IP for Double-A Tulsa last season, who has the best chance of being claimed. Vance’s shoulder problems should allow him to slip through waivers. Piedra, a left-handed hitting outfielder with pretty good power, could go either way.