Morneau returns, adds to strong infield defense

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- First baseman Justin Morneau returned to the field Monday after being sidelined with a stiff neck.

He started at first and went 0-for-2, grounding out to second and flying out to left in foul territory, in Colorado's 5-0 loss to the Padres.

Morneau played four innings in the field, fielding two grounders and attempting a diving stop in the first.

"He looked good," manager Walt Weiss said. "He took some good swings and it was good to see him out there.

It was the second time all spring the Rockies saw their projected Opening Day infield together -- Morneau at first, DJ LeMahieu at second, Troy Tulowitzki at shortstop and Nolan Arenado at third -- which Weiss said he thinks could be one of the best defensively in the history of the franchise.

"Two Gold Glovers on the left side. DJ, statistically, last year was one of the best in the league at second base and I think he's one of the best anyway at second base," Weiss said. "And Morneau, who's a very solid defender. So, yeah [it could be]."