DENVER -- Injured Rockies closer Adam Ottavino will become a little less a spectator in nine days, when he is finally allowed to begin a throwing program.
Ottavino, who became closer a week into the season after LaTroy Hawkins (now with the Blue Jays) struggled, threw 10 scoreless appearances covering 10 1/3 innings before suffering a right elbow injury that required season-ending Tommy John surgery. It's good news for Ottavino, who has been sorely missed from a bullpen that has the Majors' highest ERA (4.83) and batting average against (.274), as well as the most walks (162).