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Bettis receives 1st clean bill of health after cancer surgery

Reuters

Wednesday was a great day for Chad Bettis.

The Colorado Rockies right-hander, who underwent surgery for testicular cancer in late November, received a clean bill of health from doctors after having blood work done Tuesday.

"Today was a big day for me; it was a clean bill of health," Bettis explained to MLB.com's Thomas Harding. "I got the blood work back from the doctor, met with him today, and he said my tumor markers are not detectable."

Bettis was diagnosed with testicular cancer in November after he discovered a lump the size of a "grain of rice."

The 27-year-old, who fortunately discovered the lump in time to avoid undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or any other kind of major treatment, was declared cancer-free to begin the new year on Jan. 4, and the positive blood results from Wednesday only reaffirm he's back to normal health.

"I can't say enough about his mental strength through this, and we'll find out more as we go really, truly where this is headed, and where he is as it relates to baseball. But, man, what a story," said Rockies manager Bud Black.

Bettis was an integral member of the Rockies' rotation in 2016, starting 32 games for the club, while posting a 14-8 record with a 4.79 ERA.

Since coming to the majors in 2013, Bettis owns a 23-19 record with a 5.01 ERA during 89 appearances, 60 of which have been starts.

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