DENVER -- The Rockies will add right-hander Chi Chi González to their rotation for their game Saturday afternoon at San Francisco.

González, who adjusted his offseason workouts and pitching strategy to win a roster spot during Spring Training, has appeared twice in relief.

On Opening Day against the Dodgers, he gave up three runs in two innings but earned a win. On Sunday, he threw three scoreless innings against the Dodgers.

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This season has resembled the pattern of last year, only it’s off to a much better start.

González began the 2020 season in the bullpen. He warmed up on occasion but never was used in a game. In his first start, on Aug. 3, he gave up three runs in three innings but sustained biceps tendinitis and didn’t pitch again for 27 days. The painful debut started a year of inconsistent health and performance (0-2, 6.86 ERA in six games, four starts). The Rockies removed González from the Major League roster, but he revamped his offseason routine, re-signed on a Minor League deal and made the team to earn a $1.1 million Major League deal.

Black optimistic on Owings
Rockies manager Bud Black said utility player Chris Owings, who tripled and added two doubles Wednesday before leaving because of right hamstring soreness, received treatment Thursday morning in hopes of being available to play in the afternoon. Black said he is optimistic that Owings can avoid the 10-day injured list.

Meeting the threshold
Black said the Rockies’ Tier 1 individuals (traveling party) are “well above” the MLB and MLB Players Association's COVID-19 vaccination threshold of 85% of their Major League organization to relax certain COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

Alternate training site moved
By moving their alternate training site from Parker, Colo., to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz., the Rockies are able to play games against other organizations that are using their Arizona training centers.

Minor League camp is also going on at the complex. Black said all Minor League players and staff were vaccinated upon arrival.