Rockies' Gray sidelined couple weeks with abdominal strain

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) Rockies right-hander Jon Gray won't be ready for the start of the season due to an abdominal strain, opening a spot in Colorado's rotation.

Gray said Thursday he was told he won't be able to pitch in a game for at least a couple of weeks.

The hard-throwing prospect exited Tuesday's game against Milwaukee after just 16 pitches. He said he felt sharp pain when he threw his changeup and curveball, and feared he had torn something.

An MRI revealed only a strain of a muscle near the middle of his waist. He is to undergo electric stimulation and heat treatment.

The 24-year-old was the third overall pick in the 2013 amateur draft. He made his major league debut late last season and was expected to begin the season in the back end of the rotation.