Cody Ross ready to get back on field for Diamondbacks
LOS ANGELES – Outfielder Cody Ross admits he probably doesn't feel the same physically as he did before injuring his hip in August, but he believes he's ready to come off the disabled list and contribute.
"One-hundred percent? It's tough to say," he said. "I'm not running as well as I was before but I don't feel any pain and I don't feel anything.
"(Ross' doctor) said guys coming off serious, dramatic injuries, you'll maybe lose a step or so. But it's good enough. I can play."
Ross was reinstated from the disabled list on Friday and inserted into the starting lineup at Dodger Stadium, his first big-league game since he dislocated and fractured his hip while running to first base Aug. 11.
Ross was hoping to be back by the start of the regular season, but he can't complain considering at one point he feared the injury might be career-threatening.
"I think not only me, but the organization, the trainers, the coaches and the doctor would have thought it'd be wishful thinking to come back this quick," he said.
He played both left and right field during a rehab stint with Triple-A Reno and manager Kirk Gibson said he probably would not use him in center field, instead alternating A.J. Pollock and normal right fielder Gerardo Parra.
Ross went 9 for 31 (.290) with a double and a walk in nine games with Reno.
His return gives the Diamondbacks four outfielders capable of and accustomed to being everyday players.
"That's the least of our worries," Gibson said. "There are teams all around the league that do that. Everyone needs to be ready.
"I don't think anybody cares if we win who's playing and who's not. We're invested in that part of it."
Rowland-Smith out
To make room for Ross, left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith was designated for assignment.
Rowland-Smith posted a 4.91 ERA in 7 1/3 innings. Gibson called it a "very difficult" decision.
"He threw very well for us," Gibson said. "I love the guy's demeanor, his attitude, willingness to take the ball every day."
The team has 10 days to trade or release him or place him on waivers. If Rowland-Smith is claimed, he would have to be added to the major-league roster. If not, he would have the option of becoming a free agent. Gibson said he told Rowland-Smith he hopes he remains in the organization if he has the option.
Down to 12
Swapping Rowland-Smith for Ross gives the Diamondbacks the customary 12-man pitching staff for the first time this season.
Though the starting rotation's struggles have made the extra pitcher necessary, Gibson sounded glad to again have a normal five-man bench.
"It bit us several times through this deal," Gibson said. "We needed the pitching, I guess, but at the same time we made the decision we're going to go with what we're supposed to have, take the extra hitter."
Up next
D-Backs at Dodgers
When: 5:10 p.m. Saturday
TV/radio: Fox Sports 1 and FSAZ/KTAR-AM 620, KPKX-FM 98.7, KSUN-AM 1400
Pitchers: RHP Mike Bolsinger (0-0, 6.00) RHP Dan Haren (2-0, 2.04)
Notable: Bolsinger made his major league debut in relief of RHP Josh Collmenter on Monday against the New York Mets, giving up two runs in three innings. He will be moving into the rotation starting Saturday. … Bolsinger throws mostly cut fastballs in the 88-90 mph range and curveballs. … He had a 1.42 ERA in 12 2/3 innings for Triple-A Reno before this week's promotion. … Haren, who spent parts of three seasons with the Diamondbacks, has thrown well in his three starts, giving up five runs (four earned) in 17 2/3 innings. He labored through a start against the Diamondbacks last weekend but got through 5 2/3 innings having allowed three runs. … 2B Aaron Hill hits Haren hard, having gone 8 for 25 (.320) with two doubles, two triples and a home run.
Projected starters
Sunday: At LA Dodgers, 1:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Josh Collmenter (0-1, 3.75) vs. Dodgers RHP Josh Beckett (0-0, 4.00).
Monday: At Chicago Cubs, 5:05 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Bronson Arroyo (1-1, 9.95) vs. Cubs RHP Jason Hammel (2-1, 3.05).
Tuesday: At Chicago Cubs, 5:05 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon McCarthy (0-3, 7.11) vs. Cubs LHP Travis Wood (0-2, 3.00).