Ross hopes to be playing by mid-March

MESA, Ariz. -- Cody Ross is taking it one day at a time during his rehab from a fractured and dislocated right hip. But with as good as he's feeling right now, the D-backs outfielder is hoping he can get into an exhibition game around March 12.

"We'll just have to see how it goes, but right now it feels great," Ross said.

Ross, who has been running with about 80 percent effort, will need to be able to slide before he can see game action.

"I really don't think sliding will be an issue," Ross said, despite the fact that the injury occurred on the hip that he slides on.

If Ross makes his target date, he would have a decent chance of being on the active roster when the team begins the regular season March 22 against the Dodgers in Sydney, Australia.

"It's up in the air right now," Ross said. "But it's a good goal."