Rockies' Bettis announces completion of chemotherapy treatments

Tuesday was an important day in the life of Colorado Rockies pitcher Chad Bettis.

The right-hander received scary news in spring training when it was discovered that his testicular cancer had unexpectedly spread. Since then, he's mostly been away from the Rockies while undergoing chemotherapy near his home in Arizona.

On Tuesday, Bettis was all smiles when he posted a photo to Instagram - wife and daughter at his side - announcing he'd just completed the last of his chemo treatments.

"My family and I want to say thank you for all the support and prayers!" Bettis wrote. "We're eternally grateful for y'all. We are excited to move forward and start the process of getting back. Again, thank you! We love you!"

Almost immediately after publicly revealing the news in March, Bettis told MLB.com's Thomas Harding that his goal was to return to the majors this summer. Last month, the 28-year-old joined his teammates at Chase Field when the Rockies played a series in Arizona, and was able to play some catch in between his rounds of chemo.

"Chad has handled this so gracefully and courageously," Rockies manager Bud Black told Nick Groke of the Denver Post during spring training. "He's been a pillar of strength."