Nelson

Cruz

Hurdle had considered skipping Cruz. He still could, but only if he needs him in relief before Wednesday.

Cruz made no secret of the fact he didn’t care for Houston manager Jimy Williams last year. Cruz, who has spent most of his career as a reliever, will be on a strict pitch count, topping out at 80.

Cruz will throw at least two more side sessions, then live batting practice. He’ll go on a a rehab assignment before rejoining the Rockies.

Cruz had plenty of motivation against his former team. He could make one or two more starts before joining the bullpen.

Cruz was having another very good start before departing, allowing two runs in six-plus innings against the Cardinals in Coors Field.

Cruz, an adequate middle reliever for the Tigers in 2000 and the Astros in 2001 and 2002, was out of baseball last season after being cut by the Marlins in spring training. He’ll probably resurface on a minor league contract.

We don’t know what’s gotten into Cruz, but since he’s a Rockies pitcher, we’re still going to suggest staying away from him.

Pitching coach Bob Apodaca upgraded Cruz from spot-starter filling in for Denny Neagle and Denny Stark, to full-fledged rotation member. Cruz has a 2.16 ERA and 0.90 whip. No way he can continue to pitch like that, but he has some value away from Coors Field in NL-only leagues.

Cruz has been troubled by the shoulder for at least two weeks. He’ll be used as a reliever after he returns.

If all goes well, Cruz will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Tucson.