Darren

Oliver

He played catch again Thursday. Barring complications, Oliver hopes to throw off a mound this weekend.

Barring complications, Oliver will come off the DL on Monday. He’ll give the Astros a second lefty in the pen.

No rehab assignment for Oliver, as the minor league season will be over by then.

After a nice 2003 season with Colorado, Oliver was a fairly popular free agent a year ago. That’s not the case this offseason, so a return to Coors Field is a possibility. The Rockies are especially interested in any pitcher who is cheap and has any history of success at Coors. That’s why they’re also looking to re-sign Jamey Wright and maybe bring back Pedro Astacio.

If Oliver pitches poorly today, the Rockies may consider skipping the fifth spot with two days off over the next 12 days. And after that, Denny Neagle should be close to returning.

Oliver would compete with Jamey Wright for the final spot in the Colorado rotation. He’d probably end up in middle relief if he makes the team.

The two sides first talked back in November. If signed, Oliver would compete with Jamey Wright for a rotation spot.

The lefty apparently has found an undisclosed team willing to meet his terms.

If they’re telling the truth, expect Oliver to sign soon. He’s not likely to get more money elsewhere.

Oliver is currently asking for $2.8 million per season, so the Giants are now trying to land another ex-Rockie: Jose Jimenez.