SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Rockies have eased veteran outfielder Charlie Blackmon into Cactus League play.

He’s made the switch from center field to right field, in part because the club wants to keep him healthy, so it’s no surprise he skipped the first four games, despite being ready to play.

Now, he’s back in action.

Blackmon went 1-for-2 in the Rockies' 9-7 loss to the Angels in his first Cactus League game on Wednesday. He led off the bottom of the first inning with a popout to third baseman Zack Cozart. In the second, he hit a double down the left-field line with the bases loaded to drive in two runs and extend the Rockies’ lead to 5-1.

“It’s always nice to get all of your guys in there,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “Feeling good about playing, that’s where Charlie is.”

Blackmon will be back in the lineup Friday.

Worth noting

• Third baseman Nolan Arenado made his first start since signing his new deal with the Rockies. He received a nice ovation from the crowd before his first at-bat at Salt River Fields. He finished 0-for-3.

• Rockies starter German Marquez gave up one run on three hits in two innings. He struck out one batter and walked two.

“German threw the ball well. He had good stuff and was a little amped up,” Black said. “Overall, I thought he threw the ball fine.”

• Trevor Story finished 1-for-2 with a home run.

Up next

The Rockies will send Chad Bettis to the mound against the Dodgers on Thursday at Camelback Ranch. The game will air on MLB.TV at 1:05 p.m. MT. Chi Chi Gonzalez Peter Lambert, Bryan Shaw, Jake McGee and Carlos Estevez are also scheduled to pitch. Jon Gray will pitch against the A’s in Mesa on Friday.