Oscar

Villarreal

Manager Bob Brenly described the game situation as ''day-to-day’’ with snow expected in Colorado. If Sunday’s game is postponed, Brenly said Curt Schilling probably would have his start pushed back to Monday, which would move Elmer Dessens’ start back to Tuesday and perhaps force Villarreal to wait.

Villarreal, an overused reliever in 2003, could be a candidate for the Arizona rotation this season even though he missed most of last year. More arm problems are a real possibility.

Villarreal may be healthy enough to start the season on time, but odds are that he’s going to experience more arm problems. As a 21-year-old, he was allowed to pitch more relief innings last year than anyone except knuckleballer Steve Sparks and Guillermo Mota.

No immediate date is set for Villareal’s first action of the spring.

Villarreal has been limited by elbow soreness. “My arm felt really good, but my control could have been a lot better,” Villarreal said after throwing seven to nine minutes in the cage to mostly minor leaguers. He’ll throw another BP session on Sunday.

If he feels fine today, Villarreal will make his spring debut on Wednesday.

“He hasn’t thrown enough curveballs yet,” manager Bob Brenly said. “He’s been throwing the sinking fastball, his cutter, his slider and his changeup, but he hasn’t really tried to spin any curveballs yet, so we thought we’d let him throw one more side session (today) and see how that feels.”

Villarreal topped out at 93 mph, showing that he’s just about back at 100 percent. Whether he stays there for long is anyone’s guess, but he’ll be on the active roster on Opening Day.

The team is awaiting results of an MRI, but the surgery looks likely. No timetable has been given yet on his possible return next season.

Villarreal, on the 60-day disabled list with a strained right hip flexor will continue his rehab with Tuscon, and if all goes well, he could be back in Arizona by month’s end.