Qualls on track after feeling fine in 'pen session
DENVER -- Rockies right-handed relief pitcher Chad Qualls felt normal during a 20-to-25-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and expects to be ready by June 28 -- when he is eligible to return from the 10-day disabled list.
After his last appearance, one run in one-third of an inning against the Giants on Thursday night, Qualls' back tightened.
"You're kind of helpless, waiting for a couple of days for the pain to subside and the pain to go away; you can't even roll over in bed," said Qualls, who was replaced on the active roster by righty Carlos Estevez.
Qualls' bullpen session consisted of sinkers and sliders -- what he would do in the bullpen before entering a game. His follow-through was a little strange, which to him means he's healthy.
"My right leg has a leg kick -- I look funny out there -- and when my leg kicks, I feel fine," Qualls said.
Manager Bud Black said if Qualls is healthy, the team will make a decision when he is eligible.
• Outfielder Gerardo Parra, who suffered a right quadriceps strain June 6, took batting practice on the field Wednesday and is moving toward a return. Black said there is no timetable for the return of Parra, who was hitting .318 with six homers and 28 RBIs in 49 games before the injury.
Thomas Harding has covered the Rockies since 2000, and for MLB.com since 2002. Follow him on Twitter @harding_at_mlb and** like his Facebook page**.