Colorado Rockies left-handed pitching prospect Christian Friedrich is scheduled to start Friday for Double-A Tulsa after missing nearly a month with inflammation in his left elbow.

Colorado Rockies reliever Taylor Buchholz throws batting practice for first time since Tommy John surgery last summer.

The Colorado Rockies announced their first roster moves of the spring, sending 16 players to their minor league camp including prospects Christian Friedrich and Hector Gomez.

Twelve pitchers, including just one with big league experience, will combine to pitch eight innings Monday for two teams in a Colorado Rockies an eight-inning game that will also feature young position players.

The Colorado Rockies enter 2010 with a bullpen that, like the team’s starting rotation, could be the most stable in franchise history. The late-innings trio returns intact while the rest of the bullpen will be comprised of 2009 holdovers, veterans returning from injuries and a pack of young arms trying to find a way to stick in the major leagues.

Five starting pitchers accounted for 155 of the Colorado Rockies’ 162 starts in 2009, unheard of stability for a franchise whose pitching staff at times has been one of baseball’s most tired jokes. The Rockies likely will see one change in their starting rotation in 2010, and that to welcome back an old friend.

Left-hander one of six non-roster prospects who will participate in first major-league camp.

Rockies can monitor the progress and rehabilitation of injured players, most of them minor leaguers.

McKenry, Roe, Escalona, Nicasio and Alburquerque get coveted roster spots

Rockies finalize plans and will send seven players to the Arizona Fall League

Left-hander misses second scheduled start at Modesto

Double-A Tulsa right-hander pitches for first time since May 7