Rockies place Rafael Betancourt on DL after appendectomy

Rafael Betancourt will miss up to three weeks recovering from an appendectomy. (Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

The Colorado Rockies placed right-hander Rafael Betancourt on the disabled list after he had his appendix removed Friday night.

Head athletic trainer Keith Dugger said Betancourt's appendix was removed not long before it would have burst. The team found out Betancourt was ill when his son, Rafael, told the Rockies his father was ill after Thursday night's team workout. From the AP report:

"His son actually came in and said, 'Hey, check with my dad, he was real sick last night.' That's how we found out," head athletic trainer Keith Dugger said.

"I don't think they had a whole lot of time left before that thing ruptured," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. "Everything went well, but he's going to be down for a little bit."

The Rockies will adjust their bullpen while Betancourt recovers. Left-hander Rex Brothers will serve as the closer.