"Closer Huston Street sees it as a new plan of attack. On the surface, it appears to be a setback.

This much is known: Street has stopped throwing because of lingering stiffness in his right shoulder. The reason is the Rockies' training staff has decided to address the injury differently by aggressively strengthening the shoulder before playing catch again.

"We think the weakness in the shoulder is what is causing the stiffness. I know I said I was going to continue throwing through the stiffness, but that was just me talking," Street said. "The trainers think this will help."

Head trainer Keith Dugger mapped out the strategy Wednesday, saying Street needs a full range of motion before playing catch.

"I wouldn't say it's normal. Sometimes we get these things that happen when you try to speed up the process," Dugger said. "We took the initiative to back him off, to get him strong."

Street has been shut down on three occasions this spring, but the previous two happened after he advanced to simulated games. Street signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract over the winter. He hoped to be pitching in the big leagues again by May 1, but now is unsure."