5 things to know about Rox breakout star Joe

Over the weekend, fans were chanting the common-yet-unique surname of Rockies rookie sparkplug Connor Joe. As a San Diego native, he had an ample family cheering section for Monday’s series opener vs. the Padres at Petco Park.

Joe didn't just post a .345 batting average and a .500 on-base percentage in his first 38 plate appearances. Teammate Josh Fuentes said Joe brings joy because, “his smile is hilarious … and that big mullet."

Joe, 28, has already stolen fans' hearts with the story of his return from testicular cancer that was discovered last spring. And now fans want to know more.

Let's start:

1. Life experience behind the smile
A first-round Draft pick of the Pirates (No. 39 overall, Competitive Balance Round A) in 2014 out of the University of San Diego, Joe is in his sixth organization. That wild trip included an Opening Day start for the Giants in 2019. But the cancer reminded him that a smile helps with the journey.

“Honestly, it's not something that I've done my whole career,” Joe said. “I've taken this game extremely seriously, and I still do. But I realized this game is extremely tough. I was one that would always focus on the negatives, take the negatives from the game and dwell on those.

“We’ve got to celebrate when we have success in this game, personally and as a team. It’s made the game a lot more fun for me. And I’m loving it.”

2. Patience at the plate has earned him the No. 2 spot
“The team appreciates me getting on base,” Joe said. “Anywhere I hit in the lineup, I'm doing my best to help the team, obviously. But I like hitting in the two-spot. I like being surrounded by great hitters.”

Manager Bud Black added, “It’s a continuation of what we saw in Spring Training -- a guy that’s swinging at strikes, taking balls. Pretty simple as that. And the walk component, combined with the hit tool, you want guys that get on base.”

3. Versatility has its perks
The Rockies promoted Joe from the alternate training site when first baseman C.J. Cron sustained a back injury, and there could still be room when Cron returns, because Matt Adams is on the injured list with a right shin contusion. But Joe has appeared in the outfield and can play either infield corner.

There is another skill -- catching. Joe caught some in college and can do that in a pinch.

“It’s something I’ve always had in my back pocket,” Joe said. “Throughout my career in the Minor Leagues, I haven’t caught in a game, but I’ve been active catching bullpens and working on that.”

4. It was just batting practice, but it was cool
Not long after Joe signed, Black -- also an offseason San Diego resident -- invited himself to throw batting practice to Joe and a group of Rockies Minor League players at West Hills High School outside San Diego. Black liked the player and the person that Joe is.

“I hadn’t met him personally until we got together that Sunday morning,” Black said. “But I could tell he had some energy, was a well-spoken, bright kid. He had a nice way about him.”

Joe added, “I didn’t feel I needed to impress anybody that day. It was more getting out on the field, getting some great BP and getting to know Buddy.”

5. A special connection with his late grandmother
The Rockies considered Joe for a promotion earlier, but they gave him time off from the alternate site to mourn the death of his grandmother, with whom he was close. But Joe carries her with him.

“That was an extremely hard time, but I’m keeping her with me in my heart, knowing that she's looking down on me,” Joe said. “I'm doing everything I can to make her proud.”

In the center of the family text circle

Fuentes’ hot stretch made him the National League Player of the Week -- an honor he shared with a large extended family on their respective devices. He even beat out the better-known member of the group, Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado.

“Nolan had a really good week, too. I think he had three, four homers in a row -- that was sick, but he just got outdone,” Fuentes said, while cracking a smile. “He was really happy for me, and that was really cool.”

Injury updates

• The Rockies didn’t activate Cron, who was eligible to return Monday from his back injury, because they needed bullpen depth.

• Right fielder Charlie Blackmon (mild right groin strain) did full game preparation Monday -- batting practice and outfield work -- and should return Tuesday.

• Lefty reliever Ben Bowden, who left Saturday night’s game with a left shoulder strain and went on the 10-day IL, stayed in Denver awaiting the results of an MRI.