PHOENIX — If patience is a virtue, then David Dahl is a saint.

The Rockies’ talented, young outfielder has been out since the second Cactus League game of spring training with stress reaction of the sixth rib. He has come close to returning a number of times, only to have the injury flare back up.

Now, finally, Dahl is making steady progress, though there is no specific timetable for his return.

He began hitting off a tee Thursday and he’s feeling no discomfort in the spot where the rib wraps around his back. He has stayed in shape while getting treatment at the Rockies’ facility in nearby Scottsdale, Ariz.

“I haven’t felt any pain in a month,” he said. “That’s really encouraging. I feel like my time is coming. I feel good and I’ve been doing a lot of rotational work. Hopefully this continues to go well.”

Dahl, 23, never thought the injury would take this long to heal.

“I found out that when you have a stress (reaction) it can take a while,” he said. “You have to be patient, even though it’s tough. That’s the only way.” Related Articles September 19, 2020 Saunders: DJ LeMahieu rocks; expanded playoffs beyond 2020 a mistake; 4 good things about Rockies

September 18, 2020 Dodgers clobber Rockies, 15-6, smack three home runs

September 18, 2020 Rockies’ struggling Nolan Arenado staying in heart of order despite sore shoulder

September 17, 2020 Rockies’ bullpen fails, offense a no-show in another loss to Dodgers

September 17, 2020 Rockies starters Ryan Castellani, Chi Chi Gonzalez must step up for stretch run

In 2015, while playing in Double-A, Dahl suffered a violent outfield collision that resulted in a ruptured spleen. He underwent surgery to have his spleen removed and played in only 73 games that season.

“I tell myself that I’m getting all of my injuries out of the way now, when I’m younger,” Dahl said. “I mean, it stinks but you have to deal with it.”

Dahl hit .315 with seven home runs and 24 RBIs in 63 games as a rookie last season and went into spring training to compete with Gerardo Parra for the starting job in left field. Parra is currently on the disabled list with a strained right quadriceps.

“It’s very difficult not being with the team,” Dahl said. “But I watch every game and I cheer them on. It’s been tough, but I’ve gotten through it and I’m ready to take those next steps.”

DJ almost ready. Manager Bud Black said Saturday that injured second baseman DJ LeMahieu is “closer than you think” in returning to the starting lineup. That means LeMahieu is likely to be back in the starting lineup Sunday.

LeMahieu strained his right groin during Tuesday night’s game at San Francisco. The Rockies never thought he would have to go on the disabled list.

Anderson update. Left-handed starter Tyler Anderson, out with a left knee injury, will undergo arthroscopic surgery Monday in Denver. The Rockies had previously said that Anderson would have the procedure Friday.

Footnotes. Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez (strained right shoulder) is scheduled to come off the DL on Monday. He doesn’t expect to have to play in any minor-league rehab games. … Black turned 60 years old Friday and center fielder Charlie Blackmon celebrated his 31st birthday Saturday.

Looking ahead

Rockies RHP German Marquez (5-4, 4.38 ERA) at Diamondbacks RHP Taijuan Walker (6-3, 3.50), 2:10 p.m. Sunday, ROOT; 850 AM

Marquez needs a bounce-back start after a tough game at San Francisco on Monday when he was rocked for five runs on seven hits in four innings. He has already faced the Diamondbacks three times this season, going 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA. He received a no-decision in a 2-0, 13-inning loss to Arizona on April 30 at Chase Field, despite allowing no runs in six innings. Walker has pitched well against the Rockies this season, going 1-1 with a 3.09 ERA in two starts. Walker is 3-0 with a 2.70 ERA in his last four starts.

Monday: Reds RHP Luis Castillo (0-0, 3.38) at Rockies RHP Jeff Hoffman (4-1, 4.04), 6:10 p.m., ROOT

Tuesday: Reds RHP Homer Bailey (0-2, 27.00 ERA) at Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (8-6, 3.84), 6:10 p.m., ROOT

Wednesday: Reds RHP Jackson Stephens (season debut) at Rockies RHP Jon Gray (1-0, 3.93), 6:40 p.m., ROOT