Rockies’ Pitcher Chad Bettis Has Successful Return to the Mound After Cancer Treatment

In 2016, Colorado righthander Chad Bettis was an important part of the Rockies’ starting rotation, going 14-8 with a 4.79 ERA in 32 starts. Diagnosed with testicular cancer in the off season, Bettis had surgery and debilitating chemotherapy treatment. In July, a few weeks after his chemo treatments were complete, Bettis made the first of six minor league starts. On August 14th, he made his return to the majors in front of the hometown fans in Denver.

Being able to return to a big league roster so quickly after battling a disease is a feat in itself, but Bettis put an exclamation point on it by pitching seven shutout innings in the Rockies’ 3-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves. Bettis didn’t get the win– Colorado scored all three of its runs in the eighth inning– but what a return! He allowed six hits and walked none in addition to allowing no runs. Besides the inspirational part of the story, from a baseball standpoint adding a fresh arm to the rotation at this time of year will be of great value as the Rockies battle for a Wild Card playoff berth.