CINCINNATI — When Jon Garland served up a three-run homer to the Reds’ Xavier Paul in the first inning Wednesday night, I’m sure two names popped into the heads of Rockies fans.

One was Drew Pomeranz, the other Roy Oswalt.

I understand the fans’ clamor for Pomeranz, the big left-hander serving an apprenticeship with Triple-A Colorado Springs. Yes, he has a 6-1 record. But everyone I’ve talked to says Pomeranz still has work to do. His pitch counts continue to be too high — 104 pitches, 69 strikes in just over five innings in his last start — and he remains inconsistent with his fastball and curveball.

That leaves Oswalt, a three-time all-star who’s attempting a comeback at age 35. Word from Tulsa, Okla., where he’s pitching for the Double-A Drillers, has been encouraging. He pitched seven innings Tuesday night in the Drillers’ 5-3 victory over Northwest Arkansas. Oswalt (2-1) allowed three runs and seven hits, struck out five and did not walk a batter. He gave up two homers, but threw 63 of his 89 pitches for strikes.

Rockies pitching coach Jim Wright, who spoke Wednesday with Oswalt and Tulsa pitching coach Darryl Scott, said Oswalt is in a good place.

“No walks is the big thing, and he kept the ball on the ground with 11 groundball outs,” Wright said. “He’s still building up a little bit. His velocity should hit a little valley, then come back up.”

Oswalt will get at least one more start for the Drillers, Sunday against Springfield, then possibly another. But his contract has out clauses on June 18 and June 28. If he’s not on the major-league roster by either date, he has the option to request his release if he isn’t promoted within 72 hours.

Chatwood update. Results from the MRI on right-hander Tyler Chatwood’s sore triceps showed no major injury.

Though he missed his bullpen session Wednesday and will skip his scheduled start Saturday against the Padres, he shouldn’t be out long.

Left-hander Jeff Francis, on the disabled list but eligible to be activated, is a possible candidate to replace Chatwood on Saturday.

Patrick Saunders: 303-954-1428, psaunders @denverpost. com or twitter.com/ psaundersdp