DENVER -- Left-hander Kyle Freeland arrived at Coors Field on Wednesday in pain from a bruised heel he suffered during his seven scoreless innings in a victory over the Padres on Tuesday night. But by day's end, he said treatment had promoted healing and he can stay in the rotation -- with the best hope being his next start is pushed back a day.
Freeland, who struck out eight in the Rockies' second shutout of the year, 8-0, was hit by a Chase Headley liner in the fourth inning and stayed in. Manager Bud Black and Freeland each speculated that the pain in the heel actually may have helped him maintain his delivery, but it sure didn't tickle.
"There's some swelling and we're just trying to spread out the bleeding and get it taken care of," Freeland said. "Throughout the course of today, it's felt a lot better from where it was when I woke up this morning. So it's taking steps."

With the Rockies idle two of the next eight days, it's possible to manipulate the schedule so the club doesn't have to call up a replacement.
If the Rockies stay on rotation, Freeland's turn would be Monday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. But righty Jon Gray, who started Wednesday afternoon's 5-2 win against the Padres, theoretically can take that start on four days' rest. Freeland said the extra day should be enough.
The Rockies also are carrying righty Antonio Senzatela, who has been throwing multiple innings out of the bullpen, and can use him in a spot-start to give Freeland extra time.
Gonzalez improving
Right fielder Carlos Gonzalez, on the 10-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain suffered last Wednesday, is "improving," according to Black.
"He's hitting in the cage, doing a lot of strengthening exercises, so he's progressing very optimistically," Black said. "The weather has been a little dicey so we'll get him to Miami, Fla. [for a three-game series that starts Friday night], and get him on the grass."
Parra to greet Rockies 
The four-game fighting suspension for outfielder Gerardo Parra ended Wednesday. Black said Parra has been hitting in Miami -- where he has an offseason home -- to keep sharp and will greet the team there for the three-game series against the Marlins that starts Friday night.