Buchholz will face hitters Saturday

In a pleasant surprise, right-hander Taylor Buchholz, who missed last season because of Tommy John elbow ligament transfer surgery, will throw a live batting practice session on Friday.

The Rockies came to camp believing Buchholz won't be ready until sometime approaching midseason. The Rockies haven't announced an accelerated timetable, but Buchholz facing hitters on March 19 is a development few expected.

It's not certain if Buchholz will appear in a Cactus League game before camp breaks. Too many pitchers the team is counting on to begin the season need the innings. But signs are pointing to Buchholz, who had a career year with a 2.17 ERA in 63 appearances in 2008, being ready to give a lift to the bullpen soon.

"No one was expecting him, no one was pushing his envelope to make him feel as if he was being rushed to get to the point that on March 19 he'd be able to throw live batting practice to hitters," Tracy said. "But the commitment of the young man, going all the way back to last year when all he could do was rehab, and the work I saw him do, and how hard he has worked since Spring Training, this is what he's progressed himself to."