DENVER -- With precautions in place to avoid crowding of players, in hopes of preventing or mitigating virus transmission, available Rockies players did a workout test run Friday before Summer Camp opens Saturday. The team is using the home and visiting clubhouses, which are spacious, plus an auxiliary dressing room to keep players apart.

“Today we hit the field in three waves of players -- pitchers came out first, then we had a group of position players, then we had another group of position players,” manager Bud Black said during a Zoom call. “This was an informal, organized workout.

“Teams are really doing, basically, the same thing. I don’t think there’s any secrets out there. Most of the things we are doing, our creativity, is coming internally. And actually we’re getting some great input from the players, what they need. Players are usually used to six weeks and even more if guys get down to Scottsdale early, so this is a little different program for them. So we’re sort of intersecting with the players as well, getting their feedback on truly what they need.”

Other highlights from the Zoom call:

Blackmon's availability: Right fielder Charlie Blackmon is the only Rockies player who Black acknowledged will not be available when Summer Camp begins on Saturday. But when asked if Blackmon will have enough time to prepare for outfield play, rather than serve as designated hitter, Black said, “I think Charlie will be ready.”

Starting pitching picture: Right-handers German Márquez and Jon Gray, left-hander Kyle Freeland and right-hander Antonio Senzatela were in line for four of the five rotation spots when Spring Training was halted in March. Black said righties Chi Chi González and Jeff Hoffman are competing for what figures to be a five-man rotation, but the Rockies will “take it a little slower” with Peter Lambert, who came down with a right forearm strain in March.

Black lauded the pitching group for staying in shape, to the point that Márquez, Senzatela and Freeland will throw live batting practice -- pitchers facing hitters with intensity -- on Sunday. With the regular season starting in less than three weeks, there isn’t time for the normal spring buildup.

“The next few days, we have a number of guys penciled in for live BPs and you'll see as days move forward, you'll see that increase after guys get on the mound, get a side session. But that will ramp up rather quickly. What I saw today, my conversation with players, you know, we'll map that out.”

Black said this week that with a 30-man roster for the first two weeks of the 60-game regular season, he figures he could use pitchers who can go multiple innings -- possibly starter types -- in the bullpen.

No crowd, no problem? With the Rockies not planning to allow fans in the stadium, Black sees this season as a throwback to many players’ Minor League or amateur days, or even special circumstances in the Majors.

“You get some extra-inning games, you get some rain delay restarts, you know, there's not many people in the stands,” Black said. “You get to certain ballparks during times of the day -- certain start times for midweek games, there's not a lot of people in the stands.

“Guys are used to it to some extent, so they'll adapt. Players have a great ability to adjust to their surroundings. I suspect that, you know, players will adjust rather quickly, knowing that these games are televised. There's probably a larger viewership than ever before. And knowing that these games are going to be reported on via the newspaper, the internet, the television -- ESPN, FOX, MLB Network and other outlets -- they know that they’re being watched.”

Expectations for Kemp: Black said he will follow up on his brief conversation with veteran outfielder and designated-hitter candidate Matt Kemp, who agreed to a deal this week after Ian Desmond announced that he is electing not to play in 2020. Black managed the 2015 Padres for 65 games before being replaced; Kemp was with that team and hit .265 with 23 home runs. Black said he has had brief talks with Kemp, and they will talk in greater depth.

“We talked a little bit about some expectations, and his expectations line up with ours, which is great,” Black said. “But we'll sit down and talk a little bit more in depth about role, potential, all those things I talk about with players. But I'll tell you this, he looks good today. It's moving. Great. And he's in a great frame of mind.”