Colorado Rockies: An update on C.J. Cron’s injury

The Colorado Rockies scratched first baseman C.J. Cron from the starting lineup about an hour before first pitch on Friday and he was replaced at first base by Matt Adams.

Later, the Rockies said that he was scratched due to back tightness.

On Saturday, though, Cron was still not in the lineup and after the game, Rockies manager Bud Black told the media, including Rox Pile, that Cron was unavailable to pinch-hit due to the back tightness.

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As of early Sunday morning, Cron is still considered day-to-day but there is a chance that he will have to go on the injured list.

Black said that the Rockies are “somewhat optimistic” that he can stay off the IL but Black said that he thinks that Sunday and Monday are “really important days” to determine whether or not he will have to be placed on the IL.

If he does go to the 10-day IL, it will be retroactive to Friday since the Rockies didn’t play on Thursday and Cron didn’t end up playing on Friday so he could still be placed on the IL and return as soon as next Saturday.

Cron, 31, has been excellent at the plate for the Rockies in his last 20 games after hitting just .138/.286/.207 in his first nine games. In those most recent 20 games, he has hit .359/.446/.625 with five home runs, 14 RBI, and nine walks.

At least in the interim, he will be replaced by the aforementioned Matt Adams, Connor Joe, and perhaps, Josh Fuentes at first base.

Sunday update: Cron is not starting in Sunday’s game and Black told reporters, including Rox Pile, that Cron is still a little sore and is “incrementally improving.” Black said it was “a little bit of improvement” but the level of improvement heading into Monday’s game will determine is Cron has to be put on the injured list.

Other injury notes for the Rockies

Black also updated the media pregame on Kyle Freeland and Brendan Rodgers. After their simulated games went well on Friday, he said that both were still healthy on Saturday. Therefore, the Rockies will likely announce their next step for Freeland and Rodgers on Sunday.

If Black’s previous statements reign true, the Rockies will end up sending them to Arizona to play in a few games in Arizona in extended spring training and then, assuming all goes well, the Rockies would send both of them out on rehab assignments toward the end of this coming week or weekend.