DENVER (AP) — Lefty Jorge De La Rosa has exercised his $11 million player option for 2013, the final year in a three-year, $33 million contract.

Elbow surgery sidelined him for much of the last two seasons, but De La Rosa is a big part of the Rockies’ plans to rebuild the worst rotation in team history.

After winning 16 games in 2010, De La Rosa was the Rockies’ ace in 2011 before tearing an elbow ligament May 24. He wanted to return early last season but suffered a setback when his elbow stiffened up during his rehab last summer.

He ended up making three September starts, hitting 94 mph with his fastball but he was rusty, posting a 9.28 ERA in 10 2-3 innings.

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