"Aaron Cook knows the plan. He also knows it's not written in ink. The Rockies right-hander threw a 25-pitch side session Sunday at Petco Park and still believes he will pitch again in a major-league game this season, though it's not currently mapped out that way.

"That's my goal," said Cook, out since Aug. 22 with a strained right shoulder. "I understand they are trying to be cautious, but I believe I will be in a big-league game based on how I feel right now."

Manager Jim Tracy explained Saturday that Cook would go to the instructional league, with no plan to have him return during the regular season. That would make it highly unlikely that Cook would be in the Rockies' playoff rotation.

Cook isn't ready to concede that point. He will throw to hitters Tuesday in a simulated game at AT