SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Jon Gray allowed two singles in four scoreless innings, helping his chances of making Colorado's rotation and leading the Rockies to a 5-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday.
Gray is one of four young pitchers competing to replace Jhoulys Chacin, released in a surprise move Sunday amid a rough spring.
The 23-year-old Gray, Colorado's top prospect, has not pitched above Double A. But manager Walt Weiss said the right-hander is in the mix for the rotation.
"It's something I thought about," Gray said, "but I didn't let it eat me up."
Gray's fastball hit 97 mph and he struck out two, including Ryan Braun. Carlos Gomez singled in the first before Gray picked him off. Braun had another single in the fourth.
"We faced a tough pitcher," Milwaukee manager Ron Roenicke said.
Nolan Arenado hit a leadoff drive in the second against Brewers starter Tyler Thornburg. It was his fourth homer of the spring.
Gerardo Parra, a two-time Gold Glove outfielder, started at first base for Milwaukee.
"There wasn't enough there, but he looked comfortable," Roenicke said.
Starting time: Thornburg gave up only one more hit in four innings, striking out four in his second spring start. The right-hander is being stretched out in case he's needed as a starter, but could end up in a long-relief role.
Trainer's room: Gomez left an inning early as a precaution after jamming his shoulder. Roenicke said it wasn't serious. . . . RHP Chris Perez, scratched a day earlier with an inner ear issue, allowed two hits and a walk, but left the bases loaded in one inning.
Minor league work: With the teams meeting to open the season, both managers moved potential starters in that series to minor league games.
Right-hander Wily Peralta pitched in the Brewers' Triple-A game. Colorado left-hander Tyler Matzek allowed three earned runs and five hits in 3 1/3 innings against Arizona's Triple-A team.
"Working on fastball command, so I was throwing a lot of heaters," said Matzek, who struck out six. "I gave up some hits because of that."
The Brewers also sent RHP David Goforth to the minors, leaving 40 players in camp.
Up next:Brewers RHP Michael Blazek starts Tuesday against Arizona.
