Lambert off to solid start on the mound amid steep road back from elbow injury

There’s been plenty of discussion about the Rockies’ lack of starting pitcher depth.

But early in camp, righthander Peter Lambert is providing some reasons for hope.

Lambert notched the win in the Rockies’ 7-3 over the A’s Monday at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Arizona. Lambert, who’s faced a long, steep road back from an elbow injury, pitched two scoreless innings, walking one and striking out one.

“It was great to be out there,” he told reporters.

“The first inning I was a little bit out of whack, throwing a few more balls than I wanted to, but I made some pitches that I needed to.”

Lambert said his best off- speed pitch was his changeup.

Manager Bud Black was thrilled to have Lambert back on the mound.

“That was great and with a good look on his face, with confidence, that’s he’s healthy,” Black told reporters. “It was good to see a smile on his face … He’s in a good spot.”

Asked what his aspirations are for this season, Lambert said: “I hope to be in Denver but I have to take care of a few things. I have to pitch well in camp and I have to be healthy. That’s obviously the main thing, but I’m feeling great right now. There are a lot of things (that have to happen) before that comes.”

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“I’m hearing great things about the defense,” Black said.

“I’ve read our scouting reports. He’s got the makings, he’s got the tools.”