SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The sudden departure of Rockies right-hander Chad Bettis on Friday, for chemotherapy treatment after his testicular cancer spread, left a Colorado pitching rotation searching for not one, but two new arms.
The Rockies seemed set to enter the season with one of the best young rotations in their 25-year history. Bettis, at 27, was the senior member of a staff that also includes right-hander Tyler Chatwood, 26; left-hander Tyler Anderson, 26; and right-hander Jon Gray, 24. Bettis led the team with 14 victories last season.
“It’s a blow,” Colorado manager Bud Black said.