The Colorado Rockies saw one of their All-Stars take batting practice after being cleared to do so in December as he recovers from knee surgery. He might be cleared for more activities next week. In Milwaukee, the Brewers signed a former big league veteran to a minor-league contract.
Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez took swings at Coors Field on Tuesday and was observed by manager Walt Weiss, head athletic trainer Keith Dugger and general manager Jeff Bridich, according to Wilmer Reina of MLB.com's Los bigleaguers. Reina also noted Gonzalez will be examined by Dr. Thomas Hackett on Wednesday to determine whether he'll be cleared by next week for more on-field baseball activities.
The 29-year-old has seen his last two seasons cut short due to a number of injuries. He played in only 180 games over that time span and slashed .270/.330/.511 with 37 home runs and 108 RBIs. In 2013 his season was significantly hampered by finger injuries, including a swelling left index finger that was eventually operated on this past season to remove a "fatty mass with tentacles." On top of that surgery in 2014, he suffered a sprained ankle and underwent season-ending surgery on his left knee that cut out a torn part of his patellar tendon, removed a bursa sack and cleaned up a fat pad, according to the Denver Post.
This was the most action he's seen since the August surgery and it's possible he'll be ready by the start of spring training.
Over in the NL Central, the Milwaukee Brewers inked former big leaguer Dontrelle Willis to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. The former 2003 Rookie of the Year hasn't pitched in the MLB since 2011 when he started 13 games with the Cincinnati Reds, and he has only started 40 games since 2008. This marks his latest comeback effort, as he's spent time in the minors with the Phillies, Orioles, Cubs, Angels and Giants over the past few years, according to Joey Nowak of MLB.com.
ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reported the deal, but the Brewers have yet to confirm it.
The left-hander finished second in the Cy Young Award voting back in 2005 after compiling a 22-10 record with a 2.63 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 34 starts with the Florida Marlins. In nine MLB seasons, the 33-year-old is 72-69 with a 4.17 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 205 games (202 starts).
