Cuddyer feels better than expected day after HBP

PHOENIX -- One day after getting hit in the left shoulder blade, Colorado's Michael Cuddyer was feeling better than expected and is "50/50" to play on Friday, Rockies manager Walt Weiss said.

"We'll check with him in the morning, but it sounds like he's doing a lot better," Weiss said Thursday after his team's 5-3 loss to the Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. "He's got a chance to maybe be out there tomorrow.

On Wednesday, Cuddyer was hit in the scapula by an errant fastball from Cubs right-hander Jeff Samardzija and briefly stayed in the game before exiting.

It was only the latest in a plethora of injuries sustained by the Rockies so far this spring. Here's the most recent update on each, per Weiss:

• Right-hander Jhoulys Chacin (shoulder strain) played catch on Thursday, the first time he's thrown since being shut down on Feb. 23. Weiss said he hadn't received any reports and he's assuming it went well.

• First baseman Justin Morneau remains day to day with a stiff neck, but Weiss said it sounds like he's moving forward. The same goes for infielder Josh Rutledge, whose sprained left ankle is making progress.