Castro planning to be ready for Opening Day

MESA, Ariz. -- Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro, sidelined since March 2 with a strained right hamstring, is continuing to make progress and feels he has enough time to prepare for Opening Day.

"I'm getting there," Castro said Monday. "I'm running hard, like 80 percent. [I'm making] good progress, ground balls, hitting light in the cage, too. I think [Tuesday] I can run the bases. Maybe this week, I'll get some at-bats in the Minor League [camp]."

Castro, who missed two weeks last spring with a left hamstring strain, did look good in workouts before the injury, which happened in the Cubs' third Cactus League game.

"Starlin was looking real well, and looked good at the plate," Cubs manager Rick Renteria said. "I'm not too worried about Starlin. His demeanor is pretty positive, pretty upbeat. I think he's trying to get himself ready for the season."

How much time does Castro need? He said eight to 10 games would be enough. The Cubs have two weeks of camp remaining.

"I'm working hard and I'll be pretty good by Opening Day," said Castro, who does not have any more soreness in his leg.