ALMOST READY

First baseman/outfielder Jeff Baker (mild concussion) and center fielder Willy Taveras (right quadriceps strain) appear on schedule to be activated when the Rockies begin a series Friday at Arizona.

Baker began his rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Colorado Springs on Friday by serving as the designated hitter. He will be available to pinch hit tonight, will DH on Sunday, then the expectation is he will be able to play in the field when the Sky Sox begin a series Monday at Sacramento.

Taveras ran in the outfield Friday afternoon, will run again this weekend, then will join the Sky Sox in Sacramento. Right-handed pitcher Aaron Cook (left oblique strain) will throw a bullpen session Sunday with plans to throw to hitters before the game Tuesday in San Francisco, after which a decision could be made on a rehabilitation start for him.

GOOD NEWS

Right-handed pitcher Greg Reynolds, the Rockies' No. 1 draft choice in 2006, received encouraging news regarding his Friday surgery on his right shoulder.

Director of player development Marc Gustafson said doctors did not find any tears.

"There was a little fraying, but nothing serious," Gustafson said. "I'm very optimistic and excited. The timetable is quicker than originally planned."

Gustafson said Reynolds could be ready to pitch by spring training. Reynolds was 4-1 with a 1.42 ERA in eight starts before being sidelined by the shoulder problems.

NUMBERS GAME

2.69 ERA for the Rockies bullpen after Friday's game, the lowest in the National League. Washington is second in the NL, at 3.67.