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Rockies activate Bettis after rehab from cancer treatment, option to Triple-A

Brad Mills / Reuters

Chad Bettis' triumphant return to the majors after battling cancer is getting closer.

The Colorado Rockies officially activated Bettis from the 60-day disabled list on Saturday, two days after he completed his final rehab start with the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes. But he was immediately optioned to Albuquerque as part of a series of roster moves on Saturday, meaning his official return to the big leagues will have to wait a bit longer.

Rockies skipper Bud Black told Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post on Friday that Bettis will make at least one more appearance for the Isotopes. The 28-year-old appears to be on track to return on Aug. 13 when the Rockies visit Miami, the Post's Nick Groke reported Friday.

Because they optioned Bettis to the minors, the Rockies cannot recall him to the big leagues for another 10 days unless he's needed as an injury replacement.

Bettis was diagnosed with testicular cancer last November and underwent surgery to remove one of his testicles. Though he was initially given a clean bill of health at that time, the cancer had spread during spring training and he needed chemotherapy; the chemo treatments ended in May, and in June he rejoined the Rockies in Denver with an eye on returning to the mound this year.

In five rehab outings split between Albuquerque and the Double-A Hartford Yard Goats, Bettis owns a 4.91 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, and has struck out 15 batters while issuing seven walks.

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