Updated

Jorge De La Rosa found his confidence and command for the Colorado Rockies before their game against a Kansas City Royals split squad was rained out after four innings Friday night.

Making a comeback from Tommy John surgery, De La Rosa allowed one hit over three innings in 48-degree weather. The left-hander mixed his pitches effectively, using a slider and changeup with his fastball. He retired nine of the 11 hitters he faced.

De La Rosa, who turns 32 next month, struggled in three late September starts last season following surgery and again in his first two outings this spring. He won 16 games and struck out 193 batters for Colorado in 2009, and the Rockies hope he can get healthy and return to that form this year.