Jones leaves Spring Training game with right knee contusion

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Rockies outfielder Nolan Jones left Saturday afternoon’s game against the Reds after fouling a pitch off the top of his right knee during the fourth inning at Goodyear Ballpark. Officially, it was called a right knee contusion.

Jones was leading off the inning against Reds pitcher Frankie Montas when the injury occurred. Unable to put pressure on the knee, Jones left the field gingerly with assistance. He could barely navigate the dugout stairs.

But manager Bud Black noted that while Jones was sitting on the bench, he was able to flex his knee, and the initial diagnosis was “good news.” Before the top of the fifth inning in Colorado's eventual 6-2 loss to the Reds, Jones was carted from the field and to the Rockies’ clubhouse in the right-field corner. Jones was not X-rayed at Goodyear Ballpark.

“Let it calm down,” Black said. “These are situations with a contusion that are day to day. We’re crossing our fingers that’s all it is.

“He was in a lot of pain, but he got back into the dugout. Players have a sense of how bad it is. He said he felt that he’s going to be fine. That’s always a good sign, when a player knows their situation in their mind is positive.”

Jones, 25, was one of MLB's breakout rookies last season. Called up in late May, Jones batted .297, posted a .931 OPS with 20 home runs, 62 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. He also had 19 outfield assists, which led the NL.