After six innings, C.J. Cron had finished his day of work in Thursday’s 6-5 win over the Angels at Salt River Fields. But manager Bud Black jokingly asked if Cron, who went 3-for-3 with a single, a double and a homer, wanted to stay in.

Cron was a triple shy of the rare Cactus League cycle, after all.

“No triples for me,” Cron told the skipper. “Homers and doubles are good.”

Cron has ripped enough homers (four) and doubles (three) to make the Rockies feel good about what they could get from him this season. Last week they made official what was assumed in selecting the contract of the 31-year-old, who had come to camp as a non-roster invitee. He'll get the bulk of the at-bats at first base.

“I think it was a good opportunity for me here,” Cron said. “A chance to get some at-bats and prove to everyone that I can still play.”

Prior to sustaining an injury to his left knee that required surgery last season, Cron was off to a strong start (.346 on-base percentage and .548 slugging percentage in 52 plate appearances) for the Tigers.

This spring he has managed to pick up where he left off.

“I hurt the knee playing defense, so I knew it wouldn’t really affect my swing,” Cron said. “Just getting out on defense the first week or so felt odd. But I’m comfortable with it now. I’m confident that it’s good to go. Playing this whole spring with no problems has been good.”

Gray's bruise not serious

The last thing the Rockies needed in the wake of the shoulder strain that’s expected to cost Kyle Freeland at least a month of action was an injury to right-hander Jon Gray. Thankfully, while Gray was unable to dodge a literal baseball during his start against the Brewers on Wednesday, he was able to dodge a figurative bullet.

• Freeland to miss at least a month with strain

Gray was struck in his pitching hand by a Kolten Wong liner when he put up his hands up to block the comebacker.

“That was more of a bruise than anything,” Black said. “It was hit well, but it wasn’t a smash. It did hit his glove first. That took a little steam off it. But it did get him on the side of the palm and a little bit on the wrist.”

Gray is expected to be back on the mound on Monday.

Worth noting

• Austin Gomber had a very Coors Field-type outing on Thursday. He gave up five runs, including four on four homers, in 5 1/3 innings but took a no-decision because of the run support he received. The outing was a good opportunity for Gomber to show he can hang in there and maintain his command (zero walks) even on days when the ball is leaving the yard.

“They put a couple good swings on some balls, and then, in all honesty, a couple of those balls were a little wind-aided,” Gomber said.

• Second baseman Brendan Rodgers, who is sidelined at least a month with a strained right hamstring, is getting closer to resuming baseball activities.

“I think that’s coming within the next five to seven days,” Black said. “Get him on the field with ground balls, potentially get him on the field with batting practice. That would start in the cage before he does it on the field. But he’s doing well.”

Up next

Right-hander Antonio Senzatela will make the 2:05 p.m. MDT start on Friday when the Rockies travel to Goodyear to face Logan Allen and the Indians. Right-handers Jairo Díaz, Jordan Sheffield and Robert Stephens, and left-hander Lucas Gilbreath are also scheduled to throw.