"Huston Street appears to be on the fast track to regain his closer's job.

Asked before Thursday night's game if he would consider using Street in a saving role, manager Jim Tracy said, "That's very possible."

That was music to Street's ears.

"He said that? That's good!" said Street, who made his 2010 debut Wednesday night with 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

The last time Street closed a game for the Rockies came during their season-ending playoff loss to the Phillies last fall. He notched 35 saves last season and was rewarded with a three-year, $22.5 million contract. But shoulder soreness and a groin injury cost him 69 games this season.

"Mentally, I am absolutely ready," he said. "But I think every single day you have to go out and prove yourself physically."

Street entered Wednesday's game in the sixth inning with two outs and one on. Though Street was called for a balk, he ended the inning by inducing Boston's Dustin Pedroia to pop out to left. In the seventh, Street allowed a leadoff single to Victor Martinez, but struck out David Ortiz and got Adrian Beltre to ground into an inning-ending double play.

"(Wednesday) night could have very well been the ninth for me," said Street, whose ascension to the closer's spot allows Rafael Betancourt, Joe Beimel, Manuel Corpas and Matt Belisle to be used in setup roles. "It all felt the same.""